Melba Jean "Jeannie" Burritt

Melba Jean “Jeannie” Burritt stepped into heaven on June 3, 2025, surrounded by family, peace and love in her home in Fruita, Colorado. She was 81 years old and lived every year of her life with joy.

Jeannie was born on January 17, 1944, in Delta, Colorado, to Blanche (Peters) and Harry Ryan. She grew up in Delta and graduated from Delta High School in 1962. That same year, she married her best friend and forever fishing partner, Robert “Bob” Burritt, on November 21, 1962.

Together, Bob and Jeannie built a full and beautiful life. They raised their children in Uravan, Colorado while Bob worked at Union Carbide. After raising their two children, they moved to Nucla, Colorado, where Bob continued working for Union Carbide until he retired. Jeannie was always busy doing something. She sold Tupperware for quite a few years and earned a car with her sales. She also worked as a bookkeeper and receptionist for Rocky Mountain Gas and Arrow Gas in the West End as well as B&B Glass in Delta. In 1984, they returned to Delta County and planted over 2,500 peach trees and hundreds of cherry trees on Redlands Mesa. Their peaches were enjoyed by many near and far. By 1993, they’d built their dream home on the edge of the orchard and resided there until Bob’s passing in 2018. Jeannie then moved to Fruita, Colorado to be closer to her family.

Jeannie was a natural creator, a master quilter with an eye for color, detail, and beauty. Her quilts warmed the lives of so many, and her quilting group became her tribe. Her kitchen was always open, her door was always unlocked, and her hugs always healing. Jeannie was also known to be the life of the party and if there was a prank involved you knew Jeannie was the instigator. She was also the Delta County Rodeo Queen in 1960.

Family was everything to Jeannie. She lit up around her grandkids and great-grandkids, and her laugh could fill a room. She was strong in her faith, steady in her spirit, and lived out her favorite verse, John 3:16, with quiet confidence and a servant’s heart.

Jeannie is survived by her son, Rick (Tina) Burritt of Golconda, NV and daughter Brenda (Spencer) Garner of Fruita, CO ; her siblings; Emma Lou Addis of Las Vegas ,NV, Leona (Ed) Murray and Marvin (Shari) Ryan all of Delta, CO and Joni (Gary) Frigetto of Montrose, CO and one remaining Aunt Ruth Russell of Cortez, CO; grandchildren Spencer Jr. (Amanda) Garner of Grand Junction, CO, Wade Garner of Fruita, CO, Bailie (Cody) Weaver of Loma, CO, and Pete Steelsmith, Stacy Sullivan, both of Golconda, NV; great grandchildren Hallee Garner, Skylar Garner-Wishon and Bridger Garner of Grand Junction, CO, Corbin and McKenna Weaver of Loma, CO, Keegan, Jayden, Aurora, and Airic Sullivan of Golconda, NV; and two great, great grandchildren, Anylah and River. She is also survived by a wide circle of nieces, nephews, cousins and treasured friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband and lifelong teammate, Bob Burritt, and her parents, Blanche and Harry Ryan. We imagine their reunion in heaven looked just like their favorite days on earth — fishing poles in hand, orchard dirt on their boots, and a deep, shared smile.

A graveside service will be held June 19, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Eckert Cemetery. A celebration of her life will follow at 1:00 pm at Mountain View Bible Church, 1173 17 1/2 Road, Fruita, Colorado 81521.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jeannie’s memory can be made to Hope West of Grand Junction, 3090 North 12th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81506

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory.

You can sign the online guest registry at  http://www.TaylorFuneralService.com.