Jean Lilley Obituary
Jean Marie Lilley, age 77, of Gering, Nebraska, passed away Friday, October 10, 2025, at Monument Rehabilitation and Care Center in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Cremation has taken place in accordance with her wishes, and no services are planned at this time. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting Jean’s obituary page viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.
Jean was born on July 18th, 1948, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to Daniel and Madeline (Watts) Kelley. Her father was in the military throughout her childhood and the family settled in Granite City, Illinois. Jean's first daughter, Kelly Jean, was born in 1968. Jean later married Alvin Ray Lilley in the late 70’s and the couple welcomed two more children, Loren and Laura. Their marriage later dissolved.
She loved gardening, yard work, bingo, and dancing. Jean possessed an admirable quality of strong opinions and the ability to express them. She was never one to shy away from speaking her mind. Her fiercely independent and strong-willed nature defined her character, and she faced every challenge with resilience and determination. Jean was grateful for the time she was given on Earth, and she lived each day to her fullest. A familiar sight was Jean with a Pepsi in her hand, a drink that she cherished and enjoyed without fail. She had a playful charm about her and would kindly flirt with her male nurses and doctors, bringing smiles to their faces as long as she could.
Survivors include her daughters, Kelley Menkel of central Florida and Laura (Mike) Gool of Gering; son, Loren (Kim) Lilley of Scottsbluff; brother, Daniel (Susan) Kelley of Mt. Olive, Illinois; grandchildren, Michael and Thomas Menkel of central Florida, Levi and Ben Gool of Gering, and Kayla, Breanne, Zach, and Gracelynn of Scottsbluff.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Marie; and siblings, Dennis and David Kelley, and Vicki Six.
The family would like to thank the staff on 2West at Regional West Medical Center, Monument Rehabilitation and Care Center, and Brookstone Hospice for their care of our mother during her final days.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2002 Char Ave, Scottsbluff, NE 69361
People and places connected with Jean
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Jean Lilley
Tell your own story about Jean
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Make a Donation
in Jean Lilley's name
How to support Jean's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Jean Lilley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
