Obituary of Jean Ellen Milholland

In Loving Memory of Jean Milholland

   Jean Ellen Milholland went to her forever home with Jesus on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs. Jean was born December 23, 1945 in Dayton, Ohio to the family of Elmer and Geneva Parks. She was the youngest of seven children. She is survived by her husband, Frank, two sons, Frank L. (Delia), Eric (Michelle), two granddaughters, Catherine Jean, and Kylie Grace, and one sister, Eleanor. Because she didn't live in the same city as her grandchildren, Jean would FaceTime with the girls and help them with their homework. This helped them form a special bond and she loved working with them.

On August 4, 1968, Jean married her college sweetheart, Frank W. Milholland and they became a Miami Merger (Miami, Ohio of course). They were blessed with 53 wonderful years together. 

In the 4th grade, Jean knew her calling was to be a teacher. After graduating from Miami University (Ohio) in 1967, she made this calling a reality. Her main grades were kindergarten and first grade, and she taught for over 3o years - first in Ohio, then in Colorado Springs. Jean also taught at a private Christian kindergarten for 5 years, nurturing her young students and showing them how to live and love. During her teaching career she served on the social committee, and helped to plan special events for the school. 

Over her many years in various churches, Jean was a very active member of each congregation. She was the church mouse on several occasions and helped with many Vacation Bible School programs. After turning 50, Jean and Frank became part of Senior Saints, a group that put on programs for senior citizens of the church. Later, Jean was the leader of this group in her church, and many younger people in the congregation said they couldn't wait to turn 50 so they could be part of these festivities. 

During younger years, Jean and Frank were part of a Christian singing group called Bridge of Life. The group loved visiting nursing homes and travelled throughout the city to give concerts and proclaim the name of Jesus to all. She was also a part of many Christmas and Easter cantatas performed at the church. Jean and her friends worked together to make the many costumes for these productions, and this was a true labor of love.

Jean loved to travel with her children and other family members. One of her proudest achievements was collecting ornamental spoons from each state she visited. In 2004, that collection, was finalized as she visited Alaska, the last of her 50 states. After her retirement from teaching in 2004, these trips included some of her brothers and sisters. They visited various locations across America and also ventured into Canada on multiple occasions. These frequent trips became a tradition for several years to come.

Jean loved the United States of America and was patriotic at her very core. Her country meant so much to her and she would tell everyone who would listen what it means to be an American. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Vernon, Harold, Ray and Lee, and a sister, Bertie. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother of two. She was a devout Christian and it showed in all she said and did.

Her memorial service will be on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 1:00pm at Trinity Church of the Nazarene, 5055 El Camino Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80918.

A private interment will take place at Pikes Peak National Cemetery on Friday, May 20, 2022. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Springs Rescue Mission.