Jean Plato, 90, Bonners Ferry, passed away peacefully at her home on December 17, 2025. A grave side service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 27, at Grandview Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Bonners Ferry. Family and friends are invited to attend.
Born in 1935 to Joe Peterson and Edra Brians Peterson, Jean was the third of three children born in Sweetwater, Texas, and raised in Visalia, California. As a child, Jean was the constant companion of her mother, often accompanying her to various seasonal jobs. Jean loved to tell the stories of her earliest work experiences at the fruit packing house and turning grape trays in local vineyards. She developed a strong work ethic at a very young age.
Jean married her high school sweetheart, Louie Michalk, in 1952. They farmed and had their children Lori and Bill during the time Louie worked as a lineman for Southern California Edison.
In 1968 the couple relocated to Bonners Ferry where they planned to farm and raise cattle. Louie died in a farm accident the following year.
Jean married Nick Plato in December, 1969. They had one son, Owen. Together Nick and Jean farmed, raised cattle and thoroughly enjoyed their life together. Their favorite pastime through the years was filling a thermos with coffee and going for an afternoon drive.
As much as family meant to Jean, she was also community minded. She was a member and held offices in Boundary County Cowbells, Trinity Lutheran Church, and the Restorium board.
Jean had a close-knit, loving group of friends (Donna, Anna May, Vicky, Phyllis, Phyllis, Jo Ann, Granny) who gathered regularly for lunch at Chic-n-Chop, movie and board game days, ceramics at Lil’s, and crafting days.
Jean was an accomplished seamstress, cook and late-night “cow checker” during calving season. She was handy with a squeeze chute, syringe and calf-puller. And while seldom seen riding a horse or motorcycle, she was adept at handling a swather, baler, tractor and truck.
Jean is survived by her daughter Lori (Lynden) Osborne, and sons Bill Michalk and Owen (Lori) Plato and their families.
Jean’s parents, brothers Doyle and Joe Lorne, and husbands Louie Michalk and Nick Plato precede her in death.
May those of us who remain be comforted and drawn to the words that Jesus spoke to His disciples in John 14:
Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.
In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you.
If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself,
that where I am, there you may be also.
Jean was an amazing neighbor and one of the most gracious people I have ever known. Prayers to her family…
My condolences and heartfelt prayers to her family. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. She is dear to my heart and was a lovely neighbor. Love from Wendy Haynes (now Kat Haynes Jaramillo) and family