Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Jean McMILLAN Obituary
Jean passed away on October 7. She was born to Jim and Gerry Welch on May 8, 1930, in Green Isle, MN. She moved to Spokane in 1938 when she lived at Waikiki Dairy. In 1942, she moved to the Cheney area, where she lived nearly the rest of her life. She attended Cheney schools but graduated from Marycliff High School. In 1947, she married Don McMillan; they were married for nearly 70 years.
Jean, a self-taught cake decorator and baker, was known as the "Cake Lady." She owned Jean's Cakes and Catering, making birthday and wedding cakes for thousands of people in the Spokane and Cheney areas, a career that lasted over 50 years.
Jean was a member of the Hub Club, Tiers, and Beta Sigma Phi. She was an active member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and a member of the Altar Guild.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her five brothers and sisters; husband, Don; daughter, Donna Holloway (Russ); and great-grandson, Kameron Holloway. She is survived by 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Jean is also survived by her sons, Bill McMillan (Sandi), Spokane Valley, and Bob McMillan (Laurie), Cheney.
Funeral Mass will be held at St. Rose of Lima Church, 460 N. Fifth St., Cheney, WA, at 10:00, on Saturday, October 18. Rosary will be said preceding the Mass. Visitation will be at Cheney Funeral Chapel on Friday, October 17, from 1:00 to 3:00.
The family would like to thank the staff of Horizon Hospice and Sunshine Adult Home number 1. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jean McMILLAN
3 Entries
Cathy Messer
November 16, 2025
Jean was more family than a friend. I knew her all my life, I spent a week or two each summer with the family until I was in 4th grade. I loved that family like they were my own. I spent a lot of time with her in Cheney, whenever she had a computer or printer problem I was right there. She was the most talented person I have ever known, cakes, painting, baking, all self taught, she was amazing. Love & Miss you Cathy Messer
Claudia (Geschke) Jameson
October 12, 2025
Jean was a very special lady and raised a great family. Have known Jean for many years in small town Cheney.
Patricia Mary Batchelder
October 12, 2025
My Sister Helen Messer was best friends with Jean and Jean had made my Wedding Cake 1965.
Patricia Batchelder
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Jean McMILLAN's name
Memorial Events
for Jean McMILLAN
How to support Jean's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Jean McMILLAN's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
