It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister Jean Marie (Westby) Makela, on Friday November 29, 2024 at home with her daughter, husband and her beloved companion Cheeky by her side.

Jean accepted Jesus as her lord and savior and is joined in heaven with her mom, dad and other loved ones who have gone before her. “For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.”  Ephesians 2:8-9

Jean was born in Virginia, Minnesota on May 4, 1956 to John Sr and Lucille Westby, one of twelve children. Jean met the love of her life John Makela on July 27, 1996 and married on August 26, 1996 at the Chapel of the West in Las Vegas and they set out on “the ride of a lifetime.”

John and Jean enjoyed many motorcycle adventures together. Even though Jean didn’t care to drive a car, she did get her motorcycle license and rode her own bike for many years.

John and Jean lived for many years in White Bear Lake where she worked in Social Services and accounting before settling in Hutter.

Jean is survived by her husband John; Children: Michael (Amy) Hill, James (Kaija) Hill, Nichole Hill, Ryan Makela and Travis (Emily) Makela; Grandchildren: Madison, Jersey, Siiri, Sawyer, Sydney(Gavin), Sophie, Dakotah, Evan, Ryhssa, Jordyn, McKenzie, Kaitlyn, and Bailey;  Sisters: Jacqueline(John) Dahl, Kathlen(Shawn) Parks, Lois(Robert) Edblom, Christine(Jeff) Pernu, Arlene(Jody) Gibson and Merry Rushton; Brothers: John(Melody) Westby, Allen(Kathy) Westby, and Thomas(Lisa) Westby; Sister-In-Law: Sue Hamry; Brothers-In-Law: Donald (Tammy) Makela and Thomas(Sue) Makela and  her beloved companion Cheeky.

She was preceded in death by her parents John and Lucille; Father and mother-in-law Russel and Grace Makela; Sister-in-law: Deb Aspelund; Granddaughter: Selena Markela and her precious dog Buttons.

Jean’s family would like to thank Dr. Stephen Smith and the entire team at Essentia Health Virginia for all their kindness and support.

There will be no formal services at this time per Jean’s request.  A gathering of family and friends will take place at a later date.