Jean McIntyre

Jean Ann McIntyre, 75 years old, passed away March 13, 2024, in Grand Junction, Colorado. Jean was born April 25, 1948, in Billings, Montana to Dr. Harold and Jane Snyder McIntyre. Her family owned a farm and Jean enjoyed riding horses. She attended Eastern Montana College in Billings, then transferred to the University of Utah earning a master’s degree in English. She taught English classes at the university while earning her Doctorate in English.

While at the university she met Milton Derrick who became the light of her life. As Milt tells the story of the beginning of their courtship, he lived in an upstairs apartment of an old white wooden house. It was located on Alameda Street near the university which had been converted into 4 apartments. The house was covered with ivy and had rickety back steps that went from the back door to the top level. Jean lived in the ground floor apartment, and it was soon apparent that Jeannie had her eye on Milt. Over the next few years they took turns each asking the other to marry. Finally, they agreed and were married in Billings, Montana in 1980 and settled in Grand Junction, CO where Milt was a Land Man researching oil and gas records for Union Carbide.

Jean taught at Mesa State College & free lanced as a technical editor. Jean was a great cook, which Milton and their friends really appreciated. Milt and Jean also loved to eat out. Jean also made a few trips to Europe with family that she enjoyed. She and Milt loved to hike in the beautiful mountains of Salt Lake City and the deserts of Western Colorado. They especially loved river rafting with their wide circle of friends. Their river time was highlighted when they made an 18-day trip down the Colorado River. It was during the 83’ flood year and they called it a great ride.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her husband Milton, daughter Kara Streets of Billings, Montana, sister Carol Studer (Harry) of Tacoma, Washington and niece, Kathleen Studer.

Jean had beautiful handwriting, read books voraciously and loved to go to the movies. She was extremely intelligent, very considerate of others and loving. She particularly loved her cats. She will be missed by her many friends in Salt Lake City, Grand Junction, and those scattered throughout the west.