Jean Bolyard

July 16, 1930 - April 4, 2024

Jean R. Bolyard of Centennial, beloved mother, grandmother, sister-n-law, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully at her Someren Glen retirement home on the morning of April 4th.

Jean was born in Niagara Falls, New York, to James and Dorothy Rutherford, the youngest of five children. Jean grew up in Ransomville, a small farming community just outside of Niagara Falls. Her fondest childhood memory was growing up on the farm with her wonderful parents, two brothers and two sisters, doing all the things children were free to do. She loved ice skating on the ponds, playing in the woods, climbing trees, having pets, picnicking and swimming.

The family moved to Niagara Falls when Jean was just a teenager. There she graduated from high school in 1947. Jean then attended The University of New York at Buffalo, earning a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education, graduating in 1951. She then went on to teach second grade at Ferry Avenue School in Niagara Falls.

In pursuit of a higher education and a great place to ski, Jean moved west to Boulder, Colorado. Here she earned her Master’s Degree at The University of Colorado. While attending the university, she met Stephen Bolyard. After graduation, Jean moved to north Denver, where she continued on as an elementary school educator. The couple married on December 27, 1954. Littleton would become home for over 50 years. Here they raised their three children, Susan, Garrett and Holly.

Jean loved to volunteer. She was a Girl Scout leader, a 4-H leader and a school room mother. She enjoyed volunteering at Western Welcome, the Santa Claus Shop and especially delivering Meals on Wheels to elderly and homebound individuals. She also belonged to the Littleton United Methodist Church. As a member, she taught Sunday school and served in several church circles over the years. Jean was very proud to have been President of AAUW, Governor of La Sertoma International and a member of PEO.

Jean was an outdoor person. Her favorite sport was skiing. She also loved biking, hiking, tennis, snowshoeing and swimming. She enjoyed C.U. football games, reading, gourmet cooking and spending time with her family and friends. Jean loved to travel. Her adventures included an African safari, helicopter skiing in New Zealand, climbing Machu Picchu in Peru, elephant riding in Thailand, sailing the South Pacific and Mediterranean, river trips through Europe and a myriad of tropical and other destinations.

Jean is survived by her three children, Susan (Robert) Gardner, Garrett (Molly) Bolyard and Holly (Bruce) Mattox, her four grandchildren, Ross Gardner, Sarah Gardner (Lucas Boyd), Hailey Mattox and Julie Mattox, her two sister in-laws, Marion Bolyard and Mary Rutherford and her many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary on Saturday April 20th at 2:00 pm.

6601 S Colorado Blvd Centennial, CO 80121

In Lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to the Littleton United Methodist Church.

5894 S Datura St Littleton CO, 80120

https://littletonumc.church/give/