Jean Pauline Rusk-Hiler Dumas was born February 2 1937. She passed away with family by her side on November 3, 2025.

Jean was well known for her cheerful, hospitable spirit. She loved creation, camping, travel throughout the United State and Canada, and her kitties. Jean dearly loved her family and friends, always making time for them. 

Jean lived most of her life in California, from Southern California to her home in Eureka. Jean graduated from Eureka High School and worked as a bookkeeper and proofreader for the Times-Standard newspaper.  She spent a brief time in Washington, DC, where she met the love of her life, Jack Dumas.

They were married in 1957 and moved to Eureka, where they began their family. Jack and Jean had a second home in  Salyer, where they spent many happy years entertaining friends and family, fishing, canning produce from their garden and enjoying the beauty of the Trinity River. 

Jean would say the most important accomplishment in her life was deep respect for the Bible. In 1960, through her study of the Bible, she learned God has a name, Jehovah, and shared that and the promises from him with everyone who would listen. 1965 saw her make a dedication to Jehovah and become a baptized Jehovah’s Witness. Jean proved her love for her faith, dedicating many hours to volunteer work. The family incorporated vacations with the annual Bible conventions they attended across the country and Canada. 

Jean helped with the family business as the bookkeeper and secretary. She also had a small floral business, “Heirloom Bouquets,” where she created floral bouquets for weddings and other special events. 

Jean is survived by daughters Dawn Larson (Louis Emmerik), Denise “Dee Dee” Lowery (Lyle), and DeAnne Dumas (Chris Phillips); grandchildren Brandon, Trevon, and Shiloh; great grandson Daniel; nieces, nephews, sisters in law, brothers in law, and many other family and beloved friends.

Jean is predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Jack Dumas; parents Lily Mae Rusk Hiler and John Rusk; sisters Bobbie Bayich and Margerette Smith; several nieces an nephews; sisters in law and brothers in law; dearly loved grandmother Dora Barnhill; and mother- and father-in-law Myrtle and Edward Dumas.

The family wishes to thank all those who sent cards, meals and other messages of condolence. We truly appreciate the outpouring of love. 

Thank you to all the many Doctors and caregivers who were so kind to Mom. She appreciated each one of you, and thank you to Ayres Family Cremation for helping through this difficult time.

A memorial service will be held on December 13, 2025, at 2 p.m.

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses
4511 Campton Road
Eureka, CA 95503
Zoom login available, no passcode needed: 840 1962 9852

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