Jean R. McKinney

Jean R. McKinney (née Gillon), a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 20, 2024, at the age of 83.

Born on July 18, 1941, in Bathgate, Scotland, Jean entered the world just 20 minutes before her twin sister, Wilhelmina "Mina." Growing up in Bathgate, Jean attended primary and secondary school, where she and Mina were active as Girl Guides Captains. After completing her A-levels at Lindsay High School, Jean worked as a secretary in Edinburgh and later at Bathgate Academy.

Seeking adventure, Jean moved to Sydney, Australia for two and a half years. Her love for travel blossomed during a return trip to Scotland, where she worked briefly before joining Mobil Oil in Tripoli, Libya in the late 1960s. It was there that she met Kenneth R. McKinney, her future husband. The couple married on August 3, 1968. Jean's marriage to Ken was a loving partnership that lasted over four decades until his passing in 2009. 

In the early 1970s, Jean and Ken moved to the United States, first living in Charleston, West Virginia, then in Big Piney, Wyoming. Jean fondly remembered her time in Wyoming, working as the Big Piney correspondent for the Pinedale Roundup Newspaper, playing in a bridge club, and volunteering with the Red Cross. During this time, Jean became pregnant with their son, John Ross McKinney, and decided to return to Scotland to have him on June 23, 1972. After Ross was born, the family moved to Borneo, Indonesia. He brought immense joy to their lives until his untimely passing in 1997.

In the mid-1970s, the family relocated to Colorado, where Jean became a proud resident of the Dam East neighborhood in Aurora (then part of Denver). Jean worked for various companies, including United Way, Mutual of Omaha, Forrester’s, and ultimately retired from Globus and Cosmos.

As an active community member, Jean served as president of the Transatlantic Brides and Parents Association (TBPA) and was passionate about social engagement. She touched the lives of all who knew her with her kindness, generosity, and vibrant spirit.

In the mid-2010s, Jean moved to Brookdale Tamarac Square, where she formed lasting friendships and shared stories of her travels and life experiences.

Jean had a close relationship with her daughter-in-law (Ross’s widow), Molli. Jean was a devoted grandmother to her four grandchildren; two grandchildren from Ross and Molli’s marriage: Kati McKinney Ansay (Josh) Hyde and Lyndsi McKinney Ansay (Colton) Gully; and two bonus grandchildren from Molli’s subsequent marriage to Joe Ansay (who Jean viewed as a second son): Mitchell Ansay, and Brittany Ansay. She cherished every moment with them, and they were the lights of her life. 

Jean is survived by her twin sister, Mina Neet; her four grandchildren, Kati, Lyndsi, Mitchell, and Brittany; her daughter-in-law, Molli (Joseph) Ansay; her great-grandchildren, Ada and Marvin; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Anne "Annie" (McCallum) Gillon; her husband, Kenneth R. McKinney; and her son, John Ross McKinney, along with many other loved ones. 

Jean’s adventurous spirit, love for her family, and unwavering kindness will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A memorial service to celebrate Jean’s remarkable life will be held at Horan & McConaty Chapel, 11150 E Dartmouth Ave, Aurora, CO 80014, on Saturday, January 4th, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your charity of choice in her memory.