Willa Jean Gregg, age 71, of Grant, NE passed away on May 18, 2024 at the Perkins County Hospital.
Jean was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 9, 1952 to Wilfred Henderson and Gertrude Wattier.
Jean married Russ Gregg on June 29, 1996 and they were happily married until death did they part.
Jean's career spanned various fields, from being a legal secretary for several law firms, most notable for The Law Offices of Timothy R. Buchanan, to at veterinary clinic where her meticulous nature and dedication were greatly valued. Her profound love for animals led to her bringing home several wounded and lost pets from work. Animals were her love in life. Especially rabbits, which earned her the nickname "The Crazy Bunny Lady." Jean raised, bred, and showed rabbits for 25+ years, mainly Dwarf Hotots and Himalayans. She toured the United States, attending many different rabbit conventions, making many life-long friends, and showing and judging rabbits. She sold many a child their first rabbits in 4-H and was well-known, loved and respected in the rabbit community. The years spend raising and showing rabbits were among her happiest. She loved her family and all of her children and extended family very much, and also cherished her dogs, Nikoli and Willow, which were considered to be family to her.
Jean and Russ moved to a home west of Grant, NE in 2008, where they enjoyed a peaceful rural life for many years until Jean eventually moved into town late in 2023.
Jean was known for her thoughtfulness. She loved making pickles, jams, salsas, and much more for her friends and family. She was a busy bee and rarely would be caught sitting down or resting. Jean was a go-getter, with a take-charge personality that was ordered to getting things done. Jean's presence will be greatly missed by her family and friends alike and her absence will be felt by all who knew her.
Amongst many other monikers, she will be best remembered as a beloved mother by her children. Jean always did everything she could to make sure her family was taken care of. For out of town family members, she would never fail to put together a box of gifts and treats for them on their birthdays and Christmas. Russ and Jean both worked hard to make sure their children would never need or want for anything. As stated by her children, "We couldn't have asked for a better mother. Any idea of the best mom we could think of, wouldn't ever come close to the real thing."
Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Russ; and her parents.
Jean is survived by her children, Sean Sabetti of Westminster, CO, Nicole Sabetti of Imperial, NE, Tony Brewer of Shakopee, MN, James (Linda) Gregg of Phoenix, AZ, Catherine Walter of Chandler, AZ, Paul Gregg of Arizona, and Elisabeth (Alex) Vikulov of Walnut Creek, CA; and twelve grandchildren.
A memorial has been established in Jean's memory for a later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com.
Graveside services will be held on June 7, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. MST at Grant Fairview Cemetery in Grant, NE with Pastor Denise Johnson officiating.
Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.