Jean was born in Red Oak, IA and grew up on a farm south of town. She attended Coburg school where she was class valedictorian. She then moved to Omaha to attend trade school. She soon after went back to Red Oak and married DeLaine in 1950. They eventually moved to Omaha, and she worked at UNO for more than 25 years before retiring.

Jean is survived by her husband, DeLaine, of 70 years; one son, Brian (Michele) of O’Fallon, MO; one daughter, Janet Solverson (Paul) of Falmouth, MA; six grandchildren, Montana Chambers (Ryan) of Pembroke, MA, Chance Aubrey (Laura) of Indianapolis, IN, Brianna Brown (Paul) of Wildwood, MO, Emily Monesmith (Jason) of Wentzville, MO, Natalie Jaeger (Landan) of St. Paul, MO, and Erika Youngberg of O’Fallon, MO; three great grandchildren, River Chambers, Everleigh Monesmith, and Jovie Monesmith. Preceding Jean in death was her mother and father, Pauline and Glenn Bellis; one son, Kurt.