Jeannette S. Dennis, 83, of Maxwell, passed away on June 25, 2024, in the comfort of her home with her family at her side. She was born in Williams, California on June 24, 1941 to Dale and Isadora Scebold. Jeannette grew up in Williams and graduated from Williams High School in 1959. After graduation, she attended college in Chico, where she met the love of her life, James Dennis. Jeannette married Jim on March 4, 1961, and they moved to Maxwell – Jim’s hometown and the town that Jeannette would call home for the remainder of her life. She and Jim were married for 45 years before Jim’s passing in 2006. After moving to Maxwell in 1961, Jeannette became an active and well-known member of the community, where she and Jim raised their three girls, (Deanna, Lori, and Tess).
As a life-long resident of Colusa County, Jeannette was a staunch supporter of Maxwell’s High School Rodeo, 4-H, and Future Farmers of America programs. She volunteered her time to help make these local programs successful and was recognized as the Maxwell Rodeo Grand Marshall in 2018. Her support for Maxwell’s youth led Jeannette to become one of two Maxwell representatives on the Colusa County Scholarship Foundation’s Board of Directors. She served on the Foundation’s Board for several decades and was the Board’s President for many years. She was very proud of the Foundation and the impact it had on the County’s high school graduates seeking some form of continued education by attending college or vocational trade school. She looked forward to the interviews with students and remained steadfast that the Scholarship Foundation continued to thrive as a countywide scholarship program. She also was proud to serve as a UC Master Gardener and a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.
Jeannette had a very strong work ethic that she modeled for her family. She worked as a Property Manager for many years at Sierra Pacific Properties in Colusa, and prior, Jeannette served as a deputy weighmaster for DePue Warehouses.
However, Jeannette’s proudest accomplishments can be seen in the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren she leaves behind to carry forward her legacy. Jeannette is survived by her three daughters: Deanna Jarrett, Lorilee Niesen and Theresa (Dave) Dunham; Grandchildren: Justin (Alicia) Niesen, JC (Mandy) Niesen, Mitchell Barsotti, Jillian (Logan) Pearson, Evan Dunham, Rachel (Anthony Sessa) Dunham, Annelise Jarrett, Olivia Jarrett and Ryan Dunham; Great grandchildren: – Eli Sessa , Presley Niesen, Jim Niesen, Hannah Niesen, Mary Niesen, Ava Pearson and Grady Pearson. Jeannette is preceded in death by her parents, Dale and Isadora Scebold, brother, Jim Scebold, and husband, James Dennis. Besides spending time with family, Jeannette’s personal interests included gardening, cooking and socializing with her vast network of friends, who supported and loved her throughout her life. Special thanks to those that have walked with her over the last several years as she fought her courageous battle with cancer.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Jeannette’s family and friends on July 12, 2024, 2:00 p.m., at Granzella’s Banquet Hall in Williams, California. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jeannette’s name to the Colusa County Scholarship Foundation, 345 Fifth St., Suite A, Colusa, California, 95932.