Jean Marie Lilley

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.