I met Jean and her family in the 70's in Portland. They encouraged my then fledgling dulcimer playing, signed an album (Precious Memories) and gave me both their New York and Kentucky addresses AND phone numbers. A few years passed, and I wrote to her. She immediately wrote back, enthusiastically, as ever. We talked on the phone on several occasions, and she continued to answer every letter and music request with handwritten notes and cards. She always remembered me by name when I would see her in person. Amazing. In 2007 when I was convalescing at friends' at the beach, Jean sent me the most beautiful handwritten card and letter I had ever received in my life. For forty years the Ritchie/Pickow family has been on my top-shelf list of personal friendships. I am so proud to know, and be known by, this artist and her family. She was absolutely inspiring in every way. Has anyone contacted RollingStone Magazine? She deserves a write-up there, in my opinion. Love to all my folk music comrades. r