Jean Colton, 93, was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, educator, community leader, performer, author, and cherished friend whose life was marked by creativity, service, faith, and an unwavering love for children and family.

Jean was preceded in death by her loving husband, Lawrence B. Colton who passed away in 2018, her beloved daughter, Roseann Colton Endres, who passed away in 2013, and her sister June Thorson, who passed away in 2022. Jean is survived by her sister, Vida “Vi” Bowcutt Gines.

Jean was the proud mother of eight children: Don Colton (Lois), Jim Colton (Cindy), Steve Colton (April), Maryjo Colton Hunt (Murray), Perry Colton (Ingrid), Brent Colton (Cheryl), LeAnn Colton Fewkes (Daniel), and Rosanne Colton Endres (preceded Jean in death in 2013) (Eric).

Her greatest legacy was her family. Jean was blessed with 33 grandchildren, 88 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren, each of whom added immeasurable joy and meaning to her life.

Jean earned her education degree from Utah State University and devoted much of her life to education and the development of children. In the early 1970s, she taught elementary school in Finley, Washington, and during the 1980s she became an important educational leader at Oak Leaf Academy in Richland. She developed a deep appreciation for developmental “repatterning,” embracing foundational neurological and physical movement concepts as a way to help unlock a child’s potential and support healthy development.

Her commitment to children extended well beyond the classroom. Around 1968–1970, Jean spearheaded a community project to provide brand-new playground equipment for Sacajawea Elementary School in Richland, Washington. Her ability to bring people together and turn ideas into meaningful opportunities for children reflected the generous spirit that defined her life.

Jean was also a woman of remarkable creativity and theatrical talent. She was a founding member of the Richland Talespinners community theater group and adapted, produced, and directed theatrical productions, including The Reluctant Dragon in the early 1970s. She was a prolific writer of original poetry, theatrical skits, road shows, and plays and found great joy in performing classical drama.

Throughout the Tri-Cities and Benton and Franklin Counties, Jean became well known for her extraordinary costume collection. Her creativity, imagination, and love of the performing arts touched countless people and brought opportunities for others to express themselves, perform, and simply have fun.

Jean and Larry were also known for opening their home and their hearts to young people. They routinely welcomed others into their family fold, making their home a place where young people could find friendship, acceptance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.

Jean leaves behind a remarkable legacy—not only in the family she built, but also in the children she taught, the community she served, the performers she inspired, and the countless lives touched by her creativity and generosity.
Her life was one of service, imagination, education, and love. The lessons she taught, the stories she created, and the family she cherished will continue through the many generations who were fortunate enough to call her mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, sister, teacher, mentor, and friend.

The family is sincerely grateful for the many expressions of sympathy and support, for Jean’s friends and visitors at Lynridge, and for the caring staff at Anchor of Hope Hospice.

A memorial service was held August 8 in Plano, Texas.

Services will be held at Einan’s at Sunset beginning with a Public Viewing scheduled for Saturday Aug. 29th from 10-12pm, a Celebration of Life from 12pm-1pm and the Graveside Service to follow from 1:30pm-2:30pm.