Mary Jean Smatla

Services will be announced.

Survivors include two sons, Thomas and Paul, both of Grand Junction; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Memorial contributions to HopeWest, 3090B N. 12th St., Grand Junction 81506 or First Presbyterian Church, 3940 27 ½ Road, Grand Junction 81506. Mary Jean Smatla, 94, Grand Junction, died Aug. 12, 2015, at HopeWest Care Center.

Mary Jean (Olsen) Smatla

Mary Jean was born on 2/27/1921 in Peoria, Illinois to Edward and Ina Olsen. She passed away at HopeWest on August 12, 2015.

Mary Jean was an active member in the First Presbyterian Church of Peoria, Illinois where she met and married Reverend Thomas Smatla. They were married in Peoria on August 6, 1944. She served with him in Presbyterian churches in Peoria, Illinois; Marshall, Missouri; Bemidji, Minnesota; Butte, Montana; and Grand Junction, Colorado where she remained an active member.

She was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta, P.E.O, Presbyterian Women, Colorado Welcome Center volunteer, and the church bell choir. Her interests included family, reading, travel, bell choir, and cooking. She was an acrobatic dance performer in her youth through college.

She is survived by sons, Thomas (Terri) Smatla, and Paul (Theresa) Smatla, both of Grand Junction; daughter-in-law, Patricia Smatla, of Littleton; sister-in-law, Shirley Olsen, of Grand Junction; nieces, Lynn (Gavin) Walden, Janis (Dave) Rhodes, and Nancee (Grady) Busse; 8 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. She is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas; son, John Smatla; brother, Bill Olsen; and grandson, Kyle Smatla.

Mary Jean was a devoted mother and friend and was deeply loved and respected. She was an avid reader, excellent conversationalist, wonderful cook, athlete, and role model. She served others tirelessly, and always with love and great good cheer. Her humor, leadership, wisdom, care, and love will be so deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on August 22, 2015, at the First Presbyterian Church at 27 ½ Road and Cortland.

Memorial contributions may be made to HopeWest Hospice of Grand Junction and the First Presbyterian Church.