Josephine (Jody) F. Jeppsen, 88, of Sweet Home, died Jan. 23, 2023, at the Sapphire at Bridgecreek memory facility.
She was born Sept. 12, 1934, in the village of Spinerville, Choctaw County, Okla., to Robert (Bob) Bishop and Thelma M. Bishop.
They moved to Sweet Home in 1946 when her father returned from World War II.
She married Jackie (Jack) Jeppsen May 4, 1950. Together they raised five children.
Mrs. Jeppsen enjoyed photography, cake decorating, and writing. She worked for the Oregon Statesman newspaper and covered articles such as the construction of the Foster Dam.
She also taught and coached swimming at the Sweet Home High School community pool.
Mrs. Jeppsen owned and operated the Holley Equestrian Riding School, where she and her students showed and won many trophies throughout the state of Oregon.
With her husband and children, she trained horses for racing and show jumping. She loved and cared for all types of animals.
She was witty, one of a kind, and had just as much sweetness as she had sass.
Mrs. Jeppsen is survived by her children, Dennis Jeppsen, Sonja Bain, Tia Jeppsen and Bart Jeppsen; a sister, Carrol Jean Cochell; brothers RL Bishop, Eugene (Bugs) Bishop and Donnie Bishop; 10 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jackie (Jack) Jeppsen; son Bret J. Jeppsen; and brother Milford Bishop.
She was loved and will be deeply missed.
A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.