- Date Of Birth: December 18, 1932
- Date Of Death: April 5, 2017
- State: Idaho
Jessie was born in Filer, ID on December 18, 1932 to Gilbert Frank and Florence Irene Starkey DeKlotz. She was raised on the family farm with her brothers and sisters, always helping out with farm work as needed. In the beginning of her junior year at Filer High School, she shared her history book with a new student, Bill, from Iowa. The shy, blonde became her high school sweetheart and they graduated together in 1950. Jessie continued her education at the University of Idaho where she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority and the Hell Divers synchronized swim team. After graduating from the University of Idaho in 1954 with a BA in English, Jessie and Bill were married in Filer. They began their married life at the Smoky Hill Air Force Base in Salina, Kansas. Jessie fulfilled her time as an Air Force wife for 1½ years. After the birth of their first son in the winter of 1955, she and Bill moved back to Filer to start their farming career. Jessie and Bill settled in Filer on the 100-year old DeKlotz family farm. Jessie put many coats of paint on the old homestead to make it a great home to raise the rest of their children, one daughter and four sons in total. She faithfully supported her children through all of their many activities. Jessie was a great cook and gardener. She taught her kids many life lessons that remain with them today. Jessie spent time as a school teacher while raising her 5 children.
