Monroe "Spud" De Jarnette

Monroe "Spud" De Jarnette passed February 1, 2023, at the age of 93. He was surrounded by family, including his wife, Betty Rumph De Jarnette, who he had been married to for over 70 years. A long time resident of Auburn California, Monroe had only recently moved with Betty to Hillsboro, Oregon to be close to Linda and Duane King, his daughter and son-in-law, and their children. He is also survived by his two sons, Jim and Ken De Jarnette, their respective spouses, Barb and Jeni, four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Monroe was born in Sandpoint Idaho on May 1, 1929, to George and Hazel De Jarnette. Given his love of the outdoors and the fact that his Dad was a forester, he initially studied forestry at the University of Montana before switching to music. Playing clarinet in the college symphony, he spotted Betty, who was an accomplished violinist. Three years later they were married in Missoula, Montana. Throughout his life, Monroe pursued his twin passions for the outdoors and music. While studying music in college, he also became a Smoke Jumper, making his first jump in 1949. An active member of the National Smoke Jumpers Association, he eventually served on its Board of Directors and volunteered to work on campgrounds and trails until he was 90 years old. He attended his last Smoke Jumper reunion in 2022. For much of his life, during summer seasons, he was a National Park Ranger in Glacier National Park, Montana (1960s) and a Mokelumne Wilderness National Forest Ranger (1960s-70s) in California. During winter seasons, he was a member of the National Ski Patrol at Boreal Ridge Ski Resort. He also loved working with young adults teaching them to hike and climb in a club he founded called the Mountain People.. After college, Monroe began his music teaching career in the Missoula public school system. In 1960, he moved his young family to Sacramento, California and began teaching music in the Grant School District. He and Betty joined the Camellia Symphony from its inception, and enjoyed 25 years playing with the group. After many years teaching at Foothill High School, he retired from public school teaching during the 1980s. Passionate about youth orchestras, he co-founded the California Orchestra Directors Association and was a conductor of the Sacramento Youth Symphony. After retirement Monroe was a founding member of the Sierra Wind Quintet , enjoyed playing in Big-Bands and taught music privately. In the 1970s, Monroe and Betty moved to Auburn California, where they dove enthusiastically into civic activities. Monroe became the president of the Chamber of Commerce and was an active member of the 49er Lions service organization. However, his proudest accomplishments (in addition to his family) were the Auburn Symphony, which he founded, and the Auburn State Theater (Auburn Placer Performing Arts Center). As is stated in the official history of the Symphony, "Many years ago, Monroe De Jarnette, a local musician, dreamed of a home-town volunteer symphony orchestra in Auburn. Scoffers said, "Impossible!" Monroe's vision never wavered." He and Betty played in the Symphony for many years, which is celebrating its 35th season this year. Monroe also worked tirelessly as part of the founding civic group that revitalized the Auburn State Theater, which has been a vibrant addition to Auburn ever since. In 2000, he was recognized by Auburn with the McCann Award for outstanding community leadership and volunteerism. Monroe, who was an Army Infantry Officer and a Korean War Veteran, will be interred at Willamette National Cemetery in Oregon. Monroe's family is planning a celebration of life on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 1:30 PM at Pioneer United Methodist Church,1338 Lincoln Way in Auburn.