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Obituary for Jeanne Mills Varnell
Varnell, Jeanne Mills, age 88 of Denver, Colorado passed away on February 26, 2015. Jeanne was a fourth generation Coloradoan, the daughter of David Livingston Mills and Dr. Frances McConnell Mills. Jeanne and her brother, Dr. David M. Mills, grew up in the Park Hill area of Denver, graduating from East High in 1943. She then earned a degree from the University of Missouri in journalism in 1947. She returned to Denver and married Larry Varnell, well known Denver college and professional basketball coach and civic leader, in 1948. They were married until his death in 2008. Jeanne was a journalist for the Jefferson County Sentinel for many years. She wrote two books: “Women of Consequence” a biography of the women in the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame, which was published in 1999; and “Jeanne and Her Pals Beat the Great Depression,” a memoir of growing up in Denver in the 1930’s. Jeanne loved to play tennis, hike, and travel with her husband. She was an avid Colorado historian and a member of the Colorado Women’s Press Club and Colorado Mountain Club. Jeanne is survived by her four children, Dr. Jeff Varnell (Glenda) of Greenwood Village, Dr. Julia Varnell-Sarjeant (Jim) of Highlands Ranch, Joel Varnell (Leah) of Lakewood, and Jon Varnell (Maya) of Santa Monica, CA. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. A private family service will be held to celebrate Jeanne’s life.
