Jean Frances Merrill

Jean Frances Merrill slipped peacefully from this life in the early morning of May 23, 2026.  She was in her own bed with her cats and with her sister at her side.

Jean was born at Camp Carson Army Hospital on January 18, 1952 to Helen Shepard Merrill and Richard C. Merrill. She graduated from Harrison High School and Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood Springs with a degree in Veterinary Technology. She found great happiness with her tribe on the Western Slope, living in Glenwood and Carbondale for many years. She also lived in Fort Collins and lastly in Colorado Springs.

Jean was bright and witty and could entertain any group with her own brand of humor. She lived for animals, especially dogs, all adopted. She usually adopted the dogs and cats that no one else wanted; the hoarded, elderly, less healthy, blind, deaf or missing parts, but some of her pets chose her, just coming to her house to make a new home. 

Jean loved music and loved to sing . She shared her unconventional spirit and sense of adventure  with her cadre of close, long-term friends as well as newer friends and acquaintances.

Jean is survived by her brother P.R. (Paul) Merrill of Colorado Springs, his daughters, Heather Reynolds of Gualala, California and Sarah Merrill Carlson of Santa Rosa, California, and by her sister, Ruth Merrill of Fort Collins, CO. She is also survived by her cats Birdie and Laddie Lou.

A celebration of Jean's life will be held this summer. She can be honored best by a contribution to your  favorite animal charity.