Jean Denel Richardson (69) passed away peacefully on February 12, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born to Richard and Lohree Nielsen in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 10, 1954. She grew up working in her grandfather’s business, Dee’s Family Restaurants. She attended Brigham Young University for three years and then graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Dental Hygiene. It was at the University of Washington where she met Bruce. They were married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1979. They started their family and raised five children.
Jean and Bruce traveled the world while he was serving in the United States Air Force. They spent time overseas in England and finished their time in the Air Force living in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Their favorite Saturday family activity was taking their boat and exploring the bayou and the Barrier Islands in the Gulf of Mexico. Following retirement from the Air Force, they moved to Eagle, Idaho where they finished raising their children and established many lifelong friends. Jean enjoyed serving in the Meridian Idaho Temple with her husband for many years while continuing to work as a Dental Hygienist. She also fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning horses. Most importantly she enjoyed hosting her family for countless gatherings in their home to celebrate birthdays, baptisms, holidays, and life in general. Jean cultured a strong love for traveling and experiencing the world. This is a trait she has passed on to all her children and their spouses.
Jean is preceded in death by her parents Richard and Lohree Nielsen. She is survived by her two sisters, her husband Bruce, five children, Nicole Myers and husband Shay, Britney Geddes and husband Rob, Beth Tingey and husband Travis, Kirk Richardson, Kyle Richardson, and 12 grandchildren, Owen, Landon, Trace, Carter, Callum, Ellah, Levi, Adelyn, Sawyer, Cade, Brooks, and Declan.
Jean was a caring wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a pillar in her family and will be greatly missed by her family. She left us far too soon. She will be forever honored in our memories.
The funeral services will be coordinated by Bowman Funeral home. There will be a visitation starting at 10:00 am on Friday, February 23, 2024, followed by a memorial service at 11:30 am. Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 1133 N Park Lane, Eagle, ID 83616. She will be interred at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery.
To watch the service please go to https://zoom.us/j/96972016214