Jeanine Rae Henderson Obituary (1948 - 2014)

Today, we walk this earth, without our dear Jeanine - who showed us brilliance and courage all through her life. She was a spitfire who often shared the motto, "Well-behaved women rarely make history." She spent her childhood on the family ranch in Salyer, California. Moving to Placerville, she began her freshman year at El Dorado High School in 1963, graduating in 1967. From childhood she shined as a creative artist, her walls covered with her vibrant drawings, collages and paintings. While earning her Bachelor's degree at Humboldt State University (HSU), she met her beloved Steve (Hawkeye); they married in 1971 and were inseparable for 43 years. Upon graduation from HSU, Jeanine became an elementary school teacher at Gold Trail School. In 1980, Jeanine and Steve built their home on five acres in Garden Valley and Steve planted a garden, which grew bigger every year. Jeanine rose to the challenge of the mounds of produce, canning everything in sight - adding new recipes each year. They raised their daughter, Stesha, and son, Douglass, on this beautiful homestead. Jeanine loved being a mother and reveled at every accomplishment of her children. An avid learner, she went on to obtain her Master's degree from Sacramento State and became a reading specialist. She retired from Gold Trail Unified School District after 37 years of service. With her quick mind, sharp to her last days, you never wanted to be on the opposing side of a trivia contest - she'd rarely lose. She had friends all over the world - including the Hooligans and Gorgeous Grannies. In retirement she developed her own brand of vibrancy, remaining active with Delta Kappa Gamma; traveling; coaching Special Olympics; and writing novels, memoirs and recipes. She surprised us when she became an avid golfer and member of the Lady Niners at Cold Springs Country Club. Jeanine is survived by her husband, Stephen Alan Hodges; daughter, Stesha Rei Hodges; son, Douglass Forbes Hodges; mother, Jane Ann Henderson; sisters, Jocelyn Gay Henderson and Jennifer Fay Henderson; and many nieces, nephews, godsons, goddaughters, adopted family, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her father, John A. Henderson, and daughter-in-law, Emily Matlack Hodges. In lieu of flower or gifts, donations can be made to following organizations: Delta Kappa Gamma the LIFE Foundation www.chistateca.org/images/Donation_Form_LIFE_var_10.doc Team Folsom Hills - Special Olympics http://teamfolsomhills.com/ MS Society of Northern California http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/CAN Birthday Buddies - Georgetown Divide http://www.birthdaybuddies-divide.com/donate/