Jean E Ashley

Obituary

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Jean.  

Jean Elizabeth Jansen was born Nov. 22,1932 in Carthage, Mo. She grew up on her family’s 5-acre farm with her brother Robert and sisters Carolyn and Helen. A good student, she graduated from Carthage High School and went on to attend Park College, where she earned a bachelor of arts degree in 1954. From there, she attended Indiana University, where she earned a master of science degree in recreation in 1955. 
Degree in hand, she took a job in Detroit, working In a hospital where she helped children rehabilitate from injury and acute illnesses. Eventually, she found her way to Denver in part because of a love of skiing, where she also worked in children’s rehabilitation. She joined the Schussbaumer ski club, which maintained a group house in Georgetown. It was there that she met Richard Brown, and the two began dating.
On June 19, 1964, she and Richard were married at the First Presbyterian Church in Carthage. They settled in north Denver, where she became a traditional, if active housewife. The couple became parents to Karen in December 1965, followed by Steve in March of 1968. 
Known for her energy and multitasking, Jean not only maintained the house and her young children but was active in the Westminster United Presbyterian Church, the Adams County Republican party and her children’s school activities. She was often the communications hub for her extended family, keeping everyone up-to-date as to family news. She also enjoyed the occasional ski outing and played bridge with a small group of close friends. 
As her children became older, she took a part-time job as a desk clerk at a customer service office for Public Service Co., the energy utility now known as Excel Energy. 
In March 1981 Richard Brown died of a heart attack. Jean ably took over parenting for her two then-tween-aged children. She transitioned to a full-time job at Public Service to supply family income but still found time for her hobbies and interests. 
At a singles event in about 1986, she met Jim Ashley. The two began dating, and on May 18, 1991 they were married at the Westminster United Presbyterian Church. They enjoyed camping and days boating, for a time owning a sailboat. They also enjoyed travel to Mexico and Europe. 
After transitioning to assisted living in 2022, Jim passed away Dec. 4, surrounded by family including Jean, his daughter Mary and stepdaughter Karen. Jean was diagnosed in early 2023 with Alzheimer’s, but continued to stay active in her family. She succumbed to complications of Alzheimer’s on Sept. 3, 2026, surrounded by family.
Jean was known to all as a kind and loving person, always striving to help and comfort all in need. She was one of the rare individuals one meets who had not one mean bone in her body and strove to find the good in even the most difficult personality. Jean was the "glue" of both the Jansen and Brown families as well as a large circle of friends. She tirelessly kept up with everyone and hosted family holidays, gatherings, and reunions. The family nickname for her was the Energizer Bunny. She will be joyfully remembered and sorely missed by everyone who knew her.

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