Jean Hill Hansen

Jean (Hill) Hansen, age 87, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 16, 2016, at Prairie Ridge Village in Glasgow, Mont., surrounded by her loving family.

She was the fourth child of Finnish immigrant parents from Hamilton, Mont., and was born on May 10, 1929, to Herman and Mary (Noponen) Hill in their home 3.5 miles west of Hamilton. She attended school in Hamilton, graduating in 1947 as valedictorian of her class. She received a scholarship to Cottey College in Nevada, Mo., and graduated in 1949 with an associate of arts degree in English.

In 1949 she went to work for the Montana Department of Public Welfare as a caseworker and was assigned to Valley County. She went on a date with Bob Hansen on New Year's Eve 1949, and they were married October 27, 1950, in Hamilton at the German Lutheran Church. Five children were born to this union, William Robert, Mary Lillian, Laurie Jo, Kathryn Kay and Stephen Carl.

She was able to be a stay-at-home mom and busied herself with her children's activities and community service. Among these were Parent Teachers Association, Cub Scout Leader, Lutheran Sunday school teacher, Lutheran Church Circle, Scotty Band Parents Supporter, 4-H Leader, Homemaker's Club, P.E.O., Republican Women, Republican Central Committee and Bridge Clubs. She was very proud of being a 65-year-member of P.E.O. Chapter U of Glasgow.

She was very proud of her Finnish heritage and exemplified "sisu" in every aspect of her life and instilled this characteristic in each of her children. A highlight of her life was a trip to Finland in 1987 to trace her genealogy and visit the villages where her parents were born.

She thoroughly enjoyed her seven grandchildren and attended many of their school and sports activities.

Jean's family is hoping there is bridge club in heaven!

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, in July 2001; and a daughter in law, Margery (William), in October 1994.

Survivors include children, William Hansen and his wife, Karyn, of Phillipsburg, Mary L Hansen of Billings, Laurie J .Hansen of Maplewood, Minn., Kay Hansen Bitney and her husband, Bye, of Kalispell and Steve Hansen and his wife, Peggy, of Glasgow; and her grandchildren, Stephanie Dworak and her husband, Steve, of St. Louis Park, Minn., Marina and Madison Hansen of Bozeman, Andrea and Salomon Hansen of Glasgow, Katy and Carl Bitneyof Kalispell and numerous nieces and nephews.

There was a celebration of Jean's life at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 19, at the First Lutheran Church in Glasgow.

Memorials may be made to Cottey College, P.E.O. Foundation, First Lutheran Church of Glasgow or the charity of your choice.