Jean Ann Porter

Jean Ann Porter was born to Clyde and Lily Mae Little in Temvik, ND (which is now a ghost town) on October 4, 1928. She passed into eternal life on July 4, 2021, in her own home where she lived for over

60 years.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Clyde and Lily Mae, her husband, Robert Mull (Bob), and her daughter, Mary Susan.

She is survived by her brother, George; her children: Jean Christine and her husband Roy Richards; Peggy Lee Porter and her husband Rolf Kolden; Robert Grove and his wife Carolynn Porter; and Dawn Denise and her husband Mike Forst. Her grandchildren: Michelle, Randa, Jennifer, Richele, Lexi, Eleanor, and Holly; and her great-grandchildren: Ryan, Sean, Aidan, Rachael, Obed, Lily, Avner, Daisy, Charlie, Euston, and Kaia. She was known as Mom, Grandma, and GG.

Jean met Bob Porter at Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado. She said the first time she saw him walking across campus, she knew he was the man she would marry. They were married on October 26, 1947. Following the wedding, her new father-in-law (Judge Porter) pulled her aside and told her if Bob gave her any trouble, he would help her divorce Bob and take him for everything he had.

Jean worked as a bookkeeper for a few years but was primarily a home maker. She was an excellent gardener and one of her greatest joys was “playing in the dirt.” It was often said she could shove a stick in the ground, and it would grow into a beautiful plant.

In later years Jean volunteered at Lasley Elementary School and for Bancroft/Lakewood/West Metro Fire Department.

During the last few years of her life, she played cards with a group of ladies every Wednesday morning.

Jean was much loved, and stories of this extraordinary woman are remembered by her family. While there are many, many more but here are some of the top memories.

Chris: One day several of us were playing baseball in the side yard and I was lucky to even hit the ball a few feet. Mom took the bat and said, “This is how to do it.” She threw the ball up in the air, swung the bat, and hit it across our yard, across the street, and into the fence on the far side of the neighbor’s yard. My superhero.

Rob: My most treasured memories of mom was when her and dad would come out for a visit, and the two of us would walk... and walk... and walk!!! We'd talk about whatever came to mind... at the time didn't seem like anything important, but now it turns out it was all important. The time together, it seems, had more value than I could ever have realized. Thanks Mom... Sleep Sweet.

Avner: GG sitting in her chair laughing.

Obed: Sitting on the couch reading from a weird laws book to GG and

GG pulling out one her books to share.

Rachael: When she taught me to play backgammon, her own rule to make the game more interesting beat her. She asked for a rematch, and when she won, I knew that I’d probably never beat her again.

Cedar: GG pulling out some of her old books and as we looked at them,

we talked about whether the books were older, or she was older.

Jennifer: I remember watching in amazement as grandma played cards

and Scrabble at the same time while keeping up with the conversation.

Roy: While Chris and I were still dating, I opened the car door for Jean, as I had been trained by my mother. About the fourth time I opened the door she snapped at me, “Young man, I can open the door for myself."

Nell: Every time we went to visit, I got to play cribbage with Gramma. She was so good, and so quick, that I had to practice at home just to keep up with her. Even with all my practice I couldn’t win but she sure gave me the motivation to keep trying!

Michelle: Shortly after Ryan was born, Grandma offered to watch Ryan

while I ran some errands. Even though Ryan cried most the time, she loved just holding him. She said there was nothing better or more soothing than holding a baby, even a crying one.

Lexi: Grandma always amazed me with her playful and witty personality. When my friend and I created a circus in our backyard, Grandma didn’t hesitate to play along as our Ringmaster! I was shocked when she dunked her head in the pool…I couldn’t picture any of my other grandparents getting their hair wet. We played hours of card games, especially cribbage. She taught me how to shuffle, and the most memorable lesson she ever taught me… “No one loves you in cards.”

Chelsea: Grandma’s comedic timing and many offhand comments always had me in stitches. She was so incredibly sharp, and she never missed a beat. If you listened closely, Grandma had some zingers. I am forever grateful to her for pointing out my horrible mistake of accidently leaving delicious shrimp meat hidden in the tail. I will never make that mistake again. I wish I was given more time with this wonderful lady but am grateful for the time we did have. Love you, Grandma!

Peggy: Once in our big station wagon headed up to the mountains, mom saw a cowboy hitchhiking along the road. For some reason, even though it was not a usual thing for her to do, she stopped to give him a lift. Turned out he was an actor for the gunfight at Central City—she changed our plans for the day, and we all went to see the wild west show.

As we were going through Jean’s things, we found this that we think she wrote: Let my mortal remains be cremated and the ashes be spread wherever the sun shines, the wind blows thru the trees, the rain falls, the flowers bloom, and the rainbow follows the rain.

Let my body be a part of this world and my soul be acceptable in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Per Jean’s request, there will not be a memorial service for her. There

will be Meet and Greet Open House on August 15, 2021, starting at 10

am and continuing throughout the day. The Open House will be held at

her home, 5605 W. Arkansas Ave, Lakewood CO, 80232.

Everyone who attends may select one of her collection of over 500

turtle figurines to take home.

Donations may be made in her memory to the Colorado Fallen

Firefighters Foundation (cofff.org/donations).