Jean Kelly Bader

Jean Kelly Bader was born December 23, 1922 in Mancos, Colo. to Ira E. and Mary Cooper Kelly. She passed away at her home on December 6, 2016 just a few weeks shy of turning 94. Jean attended school in Mancos and graduated from Mancos High School. She then attended the old Fort Lewis College and spent one year at Colorado State University. She left to marry Clay V. Bader in Melrose, Mass., on October 30, 1943 where Clay was stationed in the U.S. Navy. Throughout Jean's life, she was community minded and involved in many clubs and organizations. She belonged to the P.E.O. sisterhood, Daughters of the American Revolution, served on the Fort Lewis Foundation Board, Public Lands Advisory Committee of the San Juan National Forest, Southwest Colorado Mental Health Board and the Mancos Public Library Board. She served 17 years as the secretary to the Southwestern Colorado Livestock Association and was awarded their "Livestock Man of the Year" award, the same award given to her husband and father. Jean had a deep connection to her church. She was a long time and devoted member of the Mancos United Methodist Church and served in many capacities. Jean loved horses and was horseback whenever possible, helping with ranching or pleasure riding. She rode several miles to school each day during elementary and high school. She was an avid bridge player and reader. Jean loved to entertain and host in her home. She and Clay spent many years following grandkids activities, football, basketball, rodeo, band, volleyball and track. Jean was extremely proud of the Mancos Valley, its people and supported BlueJay activities. Surviving Jean are her children, Margie Russell (Larry) of Mancos and Kelly Bader (Randy) of Kim, Colo.; her five grandchildren, Anna Gregory (John) of Amarillo, Tex., Ira Bader of Kim, Colo., Erica Russell of Grand Junction, Colo., Rachel McWhirter (Brent) of Mancos and Kent Russell of Unalaska, Alaska; one great-grandson, Sage Kelly Bader of Kim, Colo.; as well as close cousins. Jean is preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Clay in 2012. Services will be held for Jean on December 23, 2016 at the Mancos United Methodist Church at 11:00 under the direction of Pastor Craig Paschal. In lieu of flowers, donations suggested are the Mancos Centennial Scholarship Fund, Box 26, Cortez, CO 81321: Mancos United Methodist Church, PO Box 505, Mancos, CO 81328: Mancos Senior Center, 141 East Montezuma, Mancos CO 81328, or a charity of your choice.