Jean Della Willis

Jean Della Willis was born, along with her beloved twin sister, Joan, on March 17, 1938, in Onida, South Dakota, to Arnold and Bessie (Torbet) Schreiber. She grew up on the family farm west of Agar, South Dakota, surrounded by her four older brothers and the simple beauty of a life rooted in family, faith, and hard work.

Jean graduated as Valedictorian of Agar High School, where she was a cheerleader, Homecoming Queen, 4-H member, and devoted member of the Agar Methodist Church. It was there, at an early age, that she discovered her lifelong love for Jesus and His teachings. Her faith was not simply something she believed—it was something she lived. It quietly and beautifully influenced everyone fortunate enough to share her life.

Jean continued her education at South Dakota State University in Brookings, where she earned her B.S. and nursing degree. While in college, she joined ROTC before enlisting in the United States Army. Her calling to care for others continued throughout her life, and she devoted many years to serving her community as a Public Health Nurse in Lakewood, Colorado, before retiring.

But Jean’s greatest gifts could never be measured by a degree or a career. She had a beautiful singing voice and often filled her home with the music of her faith, singing songs of God’s love to her husband, Mike, and their sons, Jamie and Jay. She cared for people in every sense of the word—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. To Jean, loving someone meant showing up, listening, encouraging, laughing, and simply being there.

And oh, how Jean could make you laugh.

She possessed a larger-than-life personality, a wonderful sense of humor, and a warmth that made people feel instantly at home. Her laughter was contagious, and there were countless moments when she had us laughing until we cried. She was beautiful in the truest sense—not merely in appearance, but in the way she gave of herself so freely and loved others so effortlessly.

Jean had a wonderful gift for making people feel loved and cared for in the simplest, most memorable ways. She was an incredible cook who made the best desserts in the world—you simply could never eat just one of her treats. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, and her food was made with the same love she gave so freely to everyone around her.

And then there were Grandma’s “pillows”. Everyone loved her hugs; there was truly nothing like being wrapped in Grandma’s arms. She held each of us at one time or another through tears of joy and sadness, or simply because we needed to feel her love. Her hugs had a way of making everything feel a little better. They were a quiet reminder that, no matter what, we were loved and never alone.

Jean was also wonderfully creative and loved making beautiful things with her hands. She made the most beautiful afghans, each one carrying a little piece of her love and patience. Every Christmas, we looked forward to receiving her handmade dishcloths—a small tradition that became a treasured part of our family memories. These were never simply things she made; they were gifts of herself, lovingly created and given to the people she loved.

Those everyday acts of love are among the things we will remember most about Jean. Her desserts, her handmade treasures, her laughter, her singing, and especially her hugs were all expressions of the same beautiful heart. She gave generously, loved deeply, and found countless ways to make the people around her feel special.

After many years of living with Parkinson’s disease, Jean passed away on September 16, 2026. She met those difficult years with tremendous courage, grace, and dignity. Even as her body grew tired, the faith and love that defined her remained steadfast.

Jean is survived by her loving husband of nearly 50 years, Michael Willis; her sons, Jamie (Erin) Miller, and Jay (Kitty) Miller, all of Colorado; her grandchildren, Zach (Adriana) Plesniewicz, Breianna, Coltyn, Brolyn, and Grayce; her great-grandchildren, Jaxyn and Kenna; her beloved twin sister, Joan Delia (Tug) Bush; her brother, Robert (Bob) Schreiber, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her beloved grandson, Chayce Miller; her parents, Arnold and Bessie Schreiber; first husband, Josph Miller, her brothers, Walter, Edward, and Marion; beloved nieces and nephews, Julie Joachin, and Cindy and Brad Schreiber, her dear sister-in-law, Mary Rush Schreiber, and her parents-in-law George and Dorothy Willis, and other family members who have passed on.

Jean lived her life with an open heart and an abiding faith. She loved deeply, laughed generously, served faithfully, and left every life she touched a little warmer and a little brighter.

With every breath, she carried her love and convictions for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

And now, after a life so richly lived, Jean has gone home to Jesus.

We will miss her voice.
We will miss her laughter.
We will miss her beautiful spirit.
We will miss her cooking and the sweet treats we could never eat just one of.
We will miss her handmade treasures and the little traditions that made holidays special.
And most of all, we will miss her hugs—the kind that made you feel safe, cherished, and completely loved.

But most of all, we will carry her with us—in our faith, in our families, in our laughter, and in the love she so freely gave.

Her faith was her foundation.
Her love was her gift.
Her laughter was her legacy.
Her hugs were her comfort.
And her life was a blessing.

Until we meet again, Grandma.

We love you, and we will carry you in our hearts forever.

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A Celebration of Life will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., October 14, 2026, at

Green Mountain Methodist Church, 12755 W. Cedar Drive, Lakewood CO 80228. A

graveside burial service will follow immediately at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698

S. Sheridan Blvd., Denver, CO 80235 – Staging Area WHITE – Please arrive by 10:15.

In lieu of flowers donations to assist Jean’s husband, Mike Willis with ongoing expenses

during this difficult transition would be deeply appreciated.