Mickey Jean LeGerrette

Mickey Jean (Dodson) LeGerrette May 26, 1930 ~ Feb 5, 2014 Mickey Jean LeGerrette passed peacefully after a year-long battle with cancer. Her tenacious spirit coupled with the graciousness of God, gave her many extra months to be with her family as she fought valiantly, hoping for a cure. She was born at home on May 26, 1930 to Rubin and Katy (Kemper) Dodson in a tiny town near Mangum called Brinkman, Oklahoma. Both of her parents came from a long lineage of original founding settlers of America. (Dodsons and Kempers.) She made her mark in life through her quiet and wise spirit which was the example that preached integrity and honesty louder than words. Mickey came from very humble beginnings and even when life served abundance, she never took things for granted. Although she was a person of few words, when she did speak, people listened! Her patience as a mother and grandmother were examples that did not go unnoticed and many successful life lessons were learned from her. The biggest thought that will forever echo to us and guide us is the way she led her life; "Be true to yourself." A trailblazer for women as a professional musician, she was a singer and lead guitar player in a country-rock band. She led a life full of many adventures traveling with bandmates, Judy Bourassa-Andrews and Marilyn "Pepe" Adler as The Pepettes. They toured throughout the United States including Hawaii and Alaska, across Canada, and a special long tour of many countries in the Far East when they were hired to entertain the troops during the Vietnam War. A special memory for Mickey was being on one base in Vietnam and having the opportunity to speak to her son Les who was stationed at another base, via a complicated radio set-up. Over their career the band opened for many headliner acts and shared the stage and live-radio time with celebrities including Buck Owens, Tom Jones, Wanda Jackson, Faron Young, Leftie Frizzel and many, many more. While in Nashville they recorded two records (four songs) written by Ray Griff, an accomplished songwriter who penned top songs for Porter Waggoner, Dolly Parton, and Jerry Lee Lewis among others. In the later years they recorded an album titled "Rimrock Country" which was a collection of cover songs under the name The Peptones. They were always a requested band in Edmonton, Alberta for Klondike Days and had played at popular Hotel Venues in Calgary, Alberta during The Calgary Stampede. They were the first all-girl trio to play the Las Vegas Strip, sealing a personal professional goal in Mickey's career after they were told that an all-girl group would never have their names on the marquees. With their determination sealed, it wasn't long before their name was listed on the marquee outside of major casinos in Las Vegas. They were known at the renowned Silver Slipper and Golden Nugget in Las Vegas and played similar venues in Reno. They eventually settled in Portland, OR in the early 1970's after many years on the road. When the band's namesake, Pepe, decided to move back to New York, they hired a male drummer and renamed the band The Peptones. They were very popular in the 70's and 80's on the Portland music scene. Over the course of her music career which began in San Diego, CA, Mickey performed with many very talented musicians. They included Jose LeGerrette, Helen Smith, Michael Grangroth, Lenny Maxson, Jamie Carter, Patty Gerald, Sandy Smith, and Doug Clark. Earlier in her career, her son Les performed in the band also. Mickey was "the best mother ever" and was revered by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will miss her immensely. She had a special knack for cuddling a fussy baby and rocking them to sleep when nothing else would calm them. The attention to the details of their lives created a special bond of trust and love. Grammie was a haven of peace. She is survived by her best friend and partner Freda Gardner; children, Leslie Norton Jr (Erica) San Diego, CA; Cynthia McNichols San Diego, CA; and Jeri Fontyn Vancouver, WA; five grandchildren, Traci Fontyn (Cory Strawn); Cory Fontyn; Carla Fontyn; Sonya Norton; Michael Norton; and eight great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind a sister, Patty Rowe (Bill) and numerous nieces and nephews. Mickey was preceded in death by her parents; brother Ralph Dodson; and sisters Matilda Costa and Dorothy Prom. An older sister Peggy Dodson died in childhood as well as an infant brother David Dodson. A service is planned for Monday February 24, at 12:30 p.m. at The Evergreen Memorial Gardens 1101 N.E. 112th Ave, Vancouver, WA. Please sign Mickey's guest book at www.evergreenmemorialgardens.com and www.columbian.com/obits

Mickey Jean LeGerrette

May 26, 1930 - February 5, 2014