Alyce Jean Pray

June 6, 1952 - April 28, 2015

Alyce Jean Pray, known to all who knew her as Jeanie, was born on June 6, 1952, in Grand Junction, Colorado to Ronald George and Ruth Murphy Pray. Though born with a significant intellectual disability, she led a full and happy life. After attending schools in District 51, she spent many years working in various community businesses through the auspices of Mesa Developmental Services (now known as Strive). Over the course of her lifetime, she benefitted from changing societal views about people with intellectual disabilities. She first worked in a sheltered workshop assembling electronic devices. Next, she cleaned hotel rooms as part of an MDS team, her final job was working independently at a local restaurant. She had an amazing work ethic and received many commendations for her ability to do her jobs well. She touched the lives of many people from employers to caseworkers to healthcare professionals with her sweet and gentle nature. She will be especially missed by the staff and residents at The Retreat at Harbor Cove.Jeanie was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her sister, Terry Pickens and brother-in-law, Jim, of Grand Junction; nephew, Christopher Pickens and his wife, Mary and son, Damon of Ft. Collins, and niece, Katie Pickens of Breckenridge.A short memorial service will be held Thursday April 30, 2015, at 1:30 in Building III of The Retreat at Harbor Cove at 2835 Patterson Rd. Her family extends its gratitude to the staff at The Retreat, especially in the last difficult year of her life. Her family is also grateful to the caregivers at HopeWest Hospice Care Center.