Jean Bonnet

Norma Jean Bonnet, age 78, of Watkins, Colorado, died peacefully on July 16, 2026, holding hands with her husband. Jean was born in Peoria, Illinois on August 9th, 1947. Her parents, Marvin Bonnet and Mary Oster, were both from Dubuque, Iowa.

Jean had five brothers and one sister: Lawrence, David, Paul (known as Chris), Lois, Thomas, and Robert. She lived her formative years in Springfield, Illinois. Jean graduated from Springfield High School in 1965. She attended Sangamon State College and graduated from Bradley University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

Jean’s jobs were numerous. She started out babysitting when young. She worked summers at the Springfield Municipal Park’s Pop & Snack Stand. She worked for Illinois Bell as a switchboard operator. She worked for Horace Mann Insurance for a number of years, both in Illinois and in Colorado. Her long-standing career was with Delta Dental Insurance in Colorado, where she worked for 30 years. There, she achieved the status of the company’s all-time top sales producer. She also received other, numerous awards for her many successes.

Jean’s first hobby in Colorado was as a student pilot in the private pilot certification program. She later married her former flight instructor, Robert Doriss. Robert is himself a 20-year insurance salesman, professor, and a 23-year military veteran, along with various other business stints. Jean and Robert lived for 32-years at their 20-acre ranch in Watkins, east of Aurora.

Jean had a big heart and welcomed everyone into her home, including many feral but soon-to-be-domesticated cats. Within her family, she was known as the Patron Saint of Lost Kitties. She was also a loving mother and doting grandmother. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Jean is survived by her husband, Robert Doriss; daughter, Tanya Doriss; grandchildren Mackenzie and Theo Doriss-White; her sister Lois; and brothers Tom and Bobby. She is predeceased by her brothers Larry, Chris, and Dave.

A celebration of life will be held at Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery at Crown Hill on July 27, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.