Irva Jean Megli, known by those close to her as Jean, died peacefully on July 20 in Oklahoma City at age 83. Jean was born on November 6, 1930, in Weatherford, Okla., to Irvin Appleman and Myrtle Jones Appleman, and lived her early life in nearby Hydro.

She married Jaret Lee "Jerry" Megli on July 19, 1949, in Weatherford. They had three children, Ricky, Karla and Toni. While the children were young, Jean and Jerry moved to Warr Acres, Okla., where they lived the remainder of their lives.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, sister Olive Appleman, son Ricky Lee Megli and daughter Toni Lynn Megli Wright.

She is survived by daughter Karla Kay Megli if Hydro; grandson Scott Wright and wife Taushayna and their son Tayden of Yukon; grandson Kelly Wright and wife Jamie and their sons Braylen and Brody; and other extended family and friends.

Jean grew up in Hydro, where she graduated from high school. Soon after, she married Jerry, and the family lived in Hydro until 1960. Jean spent most of her married life as a homemaker, caring for her three children. In the early years of their marriage, Jean and Jerry spent many summers on the road and many Friday nights on the dance floor. Later in life, if one of their favorite old country songs came on the radio, Jerry would always remind Jean of their glory days on the dance floor, when they could cut a rug with the best in OKC. Whether they were traveling with their kids or their dog, Tuffy, they loved to be outdoors. They were especially fond of the west, regularly taking trips through the scenery of New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana, which included several visits to Yellowstone National Park. Jean's lifelong passion was the outdoors. She grew up walking the streams and lakes around Hydro, fishing with her father. She was never happier than when she was in her backyard, putting out food for any birds, squirrels, raccoons, or other animals that might happen to stop by. She once found a cardinal in her yard with a broken wing, and nursed him back to health. But since he couldn't fly, she bought him a cage, which she kept in the backyard. She named him Freddie and he lived in her backyard for 13 years. She always had a dog in the house as her best friend. She poured her heart into supporting her grandchildren, who called her Gran. She regularly attended their sporting events, took them on vacations, or just drove them around town, where they frequented miniature golf courses, fishing ponds or any of their favorite places.

A memorial service for Jean will be held at 12 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at Bill Merritt Funeral Home, 6201 NW 39th Expressway, with interment to follow at 12:30 p.m. at Hydro Masonic Cemetery. Pallbearers are Keith Wright, Scott Wright, Kelly Wright, and Kurt Wright.