Jean Marie “Pebs” LaFramboise Poff (November 12^th, 1963-May 1^st, 2026)

Jean Marie Poff, fondly known by most as Pebs, passed in the presence of her loving family on Friday, May 1^st after a swift battle with cancer.

Pebs was born in Sunnyside, Washington to Gloria (Vides) and Armand Joseph LaFramboise, Jr. (AJ).  She was the unexpected caboose to the family, beloved by her 6 older siblings, living in the heart of Sunnyside on Edison Avenue. She was dubbed early on as Pebs, short for Pebbles. As a child, she was the proverbial baby of the family and was loved unconditionally by her siblings.  Sadly, the family lost their mother, Gloria, when Pebs was only 6. Being the youngest by 6 years, Pebs spent lots of her time with AJ and the two had a strong and loving relationship.  She had a special bond with Mrs. Addie England who was brought into the LaFramboise home following Gloria’s death and played an important role in cooking and caring for Pebs and her siblings.  Going through school at St. Joseph’s School in Sunnyside, founded by her own mother and father, Pebs developed many life-long friends who were important to her throughout her life.

It was during her time at Sunnyside High School, where she was active as a cheerleader and the drill team, that she met her future husband, Jerry (Gerald) Russell Poff, a transplant from Tillamook, Oregon. Their courtship began at an after-football dance, where they danced to Boogie Wonderland as the lights turned on. Dating through high school, they married shortly after Pebs’ graduation, and welcomed their only child, Angelica (Angie) Marie Poff (Jarvis) shortly after. The family resided in Sunnyside before moving to Minnesota briefly so that Jerry could finish his pursuits at the Mayo Clinic to become a physical therapist. Pebs and Angie enjoyed many adventures together while Jerry was in classes cooking and doing arts and crafts as the Minnesota weather often kept them inside. Pebs and family returned to Sunnyside after Jerry’s graduation and established their family in Sunnyside in the big house on Edison Avenue, the same home in which Pebs and her siblings were raised.

Pebs worked for many years as an aerobics instructor at the Valley Racquet and Fitness Club. As Jerry’s business expanded, Pebs became his office manager, handling billing and other services to support him.  During all this time, she was a full-time mom, always available to support any and all of Angie’s numerous endeavors through the PTA, President of the Mid-Valley Swim League, and any other activities around Angie. She was always the first mom to volunteer and help, and modeled service and love to her daughter and those around her.

As much as Pebs loved being a mom, she loved being a grandma even more. Angie married Nathan Jarvis in July of 2006 and welcomed their first child, Ryan, a year later. It was then that she was dubbed Grandma Pebsy. She was blessed with additional granddaughters, Sydney, in 2010, and Lily in 2014. Grandma Pebsy was their favorite. She was their primary caregiver during the day, spoiled them beyond compare, and loved them even more fiercely. There was nothing she loved more than her grandbabies.

After many years in Sunnyside, Pebs and Jerry relocated to West Richland in 2017 to be closer to Angie, Nathan and the grandkids, residing just across the street. Grandma Pebsy and Grandpa Jerry were often there for family dinners, grandkids’ performances and all the everyday and in-between. Trips to Disneyland were a family favorite with many memories made visiting the House of Mouse. Disneyland was Pebs’ favorite place to be.

Toward the end of her life, Pebs’ medical challenges restricted her ability to travel though she and Jerry were able to visit Disneyland one last time for her birthday in November. Her health deteriorated soon after their trip, keeping her homebound through the rest of her time. She enjoyed weekly visits with her sister, Maddy LaFramboise Funk, and her close friend, Dorris Kresse. Pebs received amazing care through Chaplaincy Hospice allowing her to remain home until her passing. Jerry was there, by her side, taking in all the last moments he could claim.

As the sun set on May 1^st, Pebs made her final step, in the presence of Jerry and daughter, Angie. She is preceded in death by both of her parents. She is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Jerry Poff, only daughter, Angie (Poff) Jarvis, son-in-law, Nathan Jarvis, and their three children, Ryan Jarvis (18), Sydney Jarvis (15) and Lily Jarvis (12). She is also survived by her siblings, Sister Beatrice LaFramboise, Steven LaFramboise (son Mark LaFramboise), William LaFramboise (wife Karin, daughter Leah), Rita (LaFramboise) Wright (husband Michael), Robert LaFramboise (wife Joyce, son Robert and daughters Lisette, Claire and Catherine) and Madeleine LaFramboise-Funk (daughter Camille and son David). She is remembered by many additional family and friends who were blessed with her loving presence.

The funeral mass for Pebs will take place on Tuesday, May 12 at 11:00 am at Christ the King Church (1111 Stevens Drive, Richland). There will be a luncheon and celebration of Pebs’ life directly after the service.  If you attend, please remember to wear a little bit of RED in honor of Pebs.  It was her favorite color.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Make a Wish Foundation or the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (www.cholangiocarcinoma.org)  which is working towards a cure for this devastating disease.