Jean Marie Annala, also known as, “Mean Jean”, “Jean The Jelly Bean”, “Granny”, and “GG”, age 81, passed away at her home on the evening of Dec. 3, 2019. Jean Marie was born on Nov. 28, 1938 in Kemmerer, the daughter of William Darwin and Florence Marie (Evans) Little. She was raised in Kemmerer, and married her sweetheart, Carl Annala on April 16, 1959 in Evanston.
After high school, she entered nursing school, at Holy Cross Hospital. Prior to having children, she traveled with her husband, traveling to multiple bases in the US Air Force, while her husband served his country. Jean Marie taught preschool for over five years, and then began working for Judge Zebre and worked there for over ten years prior to retirement with the State of Wyoming.
Jean Marie was an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Kemmerer, and was very active in her faith. She was the organist at the church for over 25years.
Jean Marie loved life. She loved to do crosswords, work on puzzles, was an avid reader, and loved to take trips to Wendover to gamble. Jean Marie loved to cook, and she cooked the very best chili and spaghetti. She enjoyed watching television, and soap operas. She was a technology wizard, and loved to be on her family blog communicating with her family. She was Granny to everyone, not only to her children and grandchildren, but to all her loving friends in the community, and throughout the world. Nobody in the community was a stranger to Jean Marie. You met her, and you fell in love with her. She touched the lives of everyone she met, and was a true friend to all. She kept people together, and she was always keeping people in touch.
Jean Marie had her own little sanctuary at the ranch. She named every one of her animals, and loved to enjoy all of God’s creatures. She was an avid sports fan, and enjoyed watching college sports, and Nascar. She was a great supporter of the University of Wyoming Cowboys. She adored Josh Allen, and continued to support him as a Buffalo Bill. Jean Marie was loyal. Her Christlike love and attitude towards others was impeccable.
Jean Marie fought for the underdog, and favored the Rebels. Jean Marie was blunt, and to the point. You knew where you stood with Jean Marie, and that was a great gift that she possessed.
Jean Marie was a gypsy. She loved to travel the world and was an influence to everyone she met throughout the world. She hiked at age 75 onto a glacier at Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies. She loved to go mushroom hunting, and was fiercely patriotic and loved her country. She was passionate about President Donald Trump. Jean Marie loved Oyster Ridge Music Festival held in Kemmerer every summer, and, like her favorite son-in-law, Tom, wouldn’t plan anything for that weekend.
She is survived by her children, a son, William Jacob (Paula) Annala, of Sparks, Navada; a daughter, Jennifer Marie (Tom) Ness, of Diamondville,; a son, Steven Thomas (Paula) of Angel Fire, New Mexico; and a son, James Andrew, of Kemmerer.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Tyson Ness, Amber Ness, Joshua Ness, Brock Annala (Jessie), Nick Annala, Brittany Annala, Kate Annala, Chris Annala, Mike Annala, and Payne Annala. She is also survived by a great granddaughter, Ensley Annala, whom she adored. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She is survived by a brother-in-law, Dr. Ronald Annala, of New Mexico. She is also survived by a brother, William (RaNae) Little, of Utah, and a sister, Edith Cutrell (Spence) of Arizona.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and numerous sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law.
Memorial contributions may be made to that of the donor’s choice.
Rosary was recited on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, and Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, December 13, at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Inurnment will follow services at the Diamondville Cemetery, Diamondville.
Jean Marie’s wishes were to be cremated and she will be buried with her husband, Carl.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ball Family Chapel.
