Jean K. SoRelle

Jean Kyle SoRelle (90) of Greeley, Colorado, passed away peacefully on Dec. 29, 2020. Jean was born in Carthage, Texas, on Feb. 15, 1930, to James Robert and Annie (Keeling) Kyle. She graduated from Texas State College for Women with a degree in sociology. Her diploma hung over her washing machine—she would laugh and say that’s what she had done with her degree.

While in college, Jean met Carroll V. SoRelle on a blind date. He attended Texas A&M, an all-male university then, and coeds from the two schools often attended events together. While it might not have been love at first sight, it became a forever love. They married in 1951—69 ½ years ago. They lived in Alabama and California before settling in Texas, first in Dumas and then in Amarillo, after Carroll returned from serving in Korea. Jean taught school in Dumas until they had their three children: Carol, Paul and Merrie.

In 1970 they moved to Greeley, where Jean became an active member of Assistance League of Greeley, Chapter CR of PEO, as well as a volunteer at the hospital. She enjoyed playing gin with the “gin ladies” and was always pleased if she was lucky enough to win a couple dollars.

Jean studied her cookbook, which is now held together with a large rubber band, and became a fabulous cook. Having spent 70 years relentlessly trying to feed everyone around her, it’s no wonder why so many fond memories of her are related to mealtime. Countless beloved family-favorite recipes will be passed down to future generations.

Carroll and Jean loved to travel. They saw many countries and interesting sights all around the world, including Japan, Australia, Africa and South America. One of her last big trips fulfilled a lifelong dream of exploring Ireland. When they first married, Carroll promised to one day take Jean to Hawaii. He kept that promise when they journeyed as “snowbirds” to Hawaii for a month each year. Later, they purchased a home in Rancho Mirage, California, where they wintered with many friends, old and new alike. If you became a friend of theirs, it was for life; most still keep in touch, even after all these years.

Family was Jean’s greatest joy. Through the years, she loved to gather—especially at the family’s ranch near Chambers Lake—to watch her family grow. She cherished and loved three children, seven grandchildren and an ever-growing number of great-grandchildren. She beautifully exemplified what it means to be a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

How do you sum up 90 years of living in a few words? One family member described Jean as having gentle strength, a perfect description of this family matriarch who led by example and who shared her generous and gracious spirit with everyone. She was a lover of hummingbirds, enjoyed a little ice in a chilled glass of chardonnay, and was even known to tamper with dessert if she lost at cards. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved her.

Jean is survived by her husband Carroll; daughter Carol (Jim) Pederson; son Paul SoRelle and Debbi Keese; daughter Merrie (Wayne) Foreman; grandchildren Jamie (Brad) Hepps, Cristopher (Crystal) SoRelle, Claire Pederson, Joseph (Katie), Pederson, Derrick (Nikki) Vaclavik, Travis (Jessica) Vaclavik, Austin (Becca) Vaclavik; and 11 great-grandchildren (and counting).

A Celebration of Life will be held in August 2021 when a large gathering will likely be safer. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Assistance League of Greeley.

Please visit Allnuttgreeley.com to share memories as well as condolences to the family.