Tricia “TJ” Jeannine Hunt Robinson passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on Aug. 29, 2020 at the age of 68.
TJ, who was also known as Tricia, Jeannine, or even Ninker to family, was born on Jan. 9, 1952 in The Dalles to A. Dean and Lois Key Hunt of Lexington.
TJ grew up in Lexington, where her parents owned and operated a wheat ranch. She attended school as a Lexington Jackrabbit through fourth grade before finishing her schooling in Heppner, where she graduated from Heppner High School in 1970. Upon graduation, Jeannine moved to Pendleton where she attended Blue Mountain Community College, earning her associate degree. She worked for various organizations in Pendleton including Pendleton Grain Growers, where she was the first female grain marketer; the American Red Cross, where she acted as director; the Pendleton Convention Center, where she was the secretary; and lastly the forest service.
TJ met Curtis Robinson at a friend’s house, where they bonded over owning Ford cars. They were married on May 10, 1986 in Reno, Nev. TJ and Curtis made their home in Pendleton, and she kept busy with their side business of Paws & Claws pet and house sitting, as TJ was an avid animal lover. There was not a dog or cat she did not like, and she rescued many animals over the years. Antiquing became one of TJ’s favorite past times and she started her own eBay shop, Old Shanty Antiques. She found delight in yard sales, junk picking and estate sales, where she was always on the hunt for a good deal or hidden treasures.
TJ attended the Free Methodist Church of Pendleton and enjoyed a weekly Bible study. TJ also enjoyed knitting, cross stitch, reading, collecting glassware, and spending time with her family and animals, and she was an avid fan of “The Andy Griffith Show.”
Jeannine is survived by her husband of 34 years, Curtis; brother, Gary (Rebecca) Hunt of Hermiston; nephew, Jeff Hunt (Leah) of High Point, N.C.; niece, Miranda Hunt of Hermiston; sister-in-law, Marilyn Helling of Weston; nephews, Christopher Helling of Pendleton and Stephen Helling of Seattle, Wash.; brothers-in-law, Stacy Robinson of Pendleton and Billy Robinson of Spokane, Wash.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dean and Lois Hunt.
At TJ’s request, no funeral will be held.
A private family burial will be held at a later date at the Lexington Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to Vange John Memorial Hospice of Hermiston or Paws animal shelter in Pendleton.
The family would like to thank the following for the care of TJ: staff at Willowbrook in Pendleton, staff at Regency in Hermiston, Reva and Richard for the special care she received from Vange John Memorial Hospice, Linda and Sheena for the long hours of personal care, and Chrissy for the visits.
Please share memories of TJ at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in charge of arrangements.
