Jean Denise Huff

Jean Denise (Dennett) Huff was born May 9, 1935 in Irthingborough, North Northamptonshire, England. The moment she was born, her mother’s doctor passed away, showing that life was going to be unpredictable. She was the only child of Frank and Dorothy Dennett, and she was pampered as such.

Growing up she helped her Aunt Glad at the Grange Holiday Camp in Kessingland (one of the Holiday Camps known in England). She would always find her way to the cliffs, watching and waving at the German planes (of World War II) as they flew overhead. She always told us they waved back. During these younger childhood years, she made a friend in a classmate Coral, that remained a mate (sister) throughout their lives. When Jean moved to the States, they wrote each other weekly, phone calls every couple of months, and even traveled across the ocean a few times to see each other. Her teenage years were spent on her favorite pass time of roller-skating, and was told she was good. She finished her A Level schooling and proceeded with secretary courses.

She met George Huff, while he was stationed in London, England. Jean didn’t even notice him until he threw popcorn at her in a movie theatre, several times, to gain her attention. When he had leave from his base, he would ride his bicycle 50 miles (one way) to see her. They married in England and from this union they had 3 children; Russell George Huff (born in England), Joyce Margaret Huff (born in New Jersey), and Jeffery Michael Huff (born in England).

During her adult years she kept very busy with multiple “roles”. She was a Military Wife; traveling the bases in England, Germany, and the United States. She was a secretary for a cafeteria in Germany and at a newspaper in Simla, CO. She was a LEOW (Law Enforcement Wife), from her husband’s security work in Las Vegas, Nevada; US Marshall in Callahan, CO, Police Officer in Sterling, Colorado, to Undersheriff running for Sheriff in Sedgewick County, CO. She was a Ranch woman on their ranch in Yoder, CO. Most country folk knows that rustling children and livestock, along with household chores is not for the weak. The last job she worked was a hostess in a Café/Store in Victor, CO.

Anybody that knew Jean, knew that she had a Gypsy Soul. If you didn’t, well she would tell you with her quick wit and English accent of hers. If you were close to her, her “ruffling” was the cutest thing within her short stature. Jean just had a vivacious way of living each day.

Jean had a wanderlust, and she loved any and all trips that she could take. You could catch her reminiscing about her travels, with the Renaissance Festivals being her favorite. Even shopping could be made into a grand adventure. She was free spirited and dressed with expression: from her gypsy style dresses; western wear of buckskin fringe/cowboy hat/feathers/turquoise; rebel of black leather and concho belts; and just bold colors. She loved music and enjoyed any dance she could go to. Old Time Rock and Roll was a staple in her life (and her family of course). Even with her dementia in later years, her body would recognize the sound (start dancing) and her lips would smile (and sing the lyrics). Jean showed creativity with everything she touched. From sewing to needle point, drawings to paintings (winning many awards), and writing short stories and poems (that were published). Her true passion was gardening, and you would see her outside more often than not. She learned this from her father, and there wasn’t much she couldn’t grow. You would catch her capturing seeds and cuttings from about everywhere. Using a shovel to get a wild plant or growing tree on the side of the road, was not surprising.

Jean’s grounding was always her family. She made sure that she was the best Wife, Mama, and Grandmother she could. The talent through, was she made it look effortless. She took pride in all the relationships that she had in her life with friends and communities where she lived. Despite her free-spirit, her closest relationship was with Jesus Christ and she knew when it was time, she would be going Home to Him.

Jean Huff passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026, at home in Springfield, CO at 90 years old.

She is preceded in death by her parents Frank and Dorothy Dennett, her husband George Huff, and her lifelong friend Coral.

She is survived by her children Russell (Kelly) Huff; Joyce (Sam) Brown, Jeffery (Cindy) Huff, 6 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Maltbie Funeral Services Chapel located at 265 W. 8th Avenue, Springfield, Colorado. Interment will follow at Springfield Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in memory of Jean to the Springfield Cemetery District, c/o Mildred Norton, 36687 CO Rd. DD, Vilas, CO 81087.