Jean Ann Anderson

Jean Ann Anderson was born July 24, 1935, and passed away October 25, 2024. Her parents were Felix and Anne Duncan Hill.

Mom was raised on a cattle ranch north of Geyser where she and her five siblings had many adventures with registered Hereford cattle, horses, and family gatherings. She attended the Ursuline Academy in Great Falls and then switched to Braun Creek School near the ranch, later attending high school at Great Falls Central. At age 16 she eloped with the love of her life, Bob Anderson on Pearl Harbor Day December 7, 1951. After the sudden death of her parents, Bob and Jean moved south of Raynesford to Limestone Canyon where they grew their family and ranch. Jean loved her cattle (which she never had enough of) and horses, her ranch way of life, and her six children.

She was known for her hospitality-people were always welcome to stop in for coffee and conversations and no one ever left hungry or without becoming a friend. She passed on her green thumb and love of flowers and sunshine to her family. She loved grandchildren and great grandchildren and always remembered birthdays, Christmases, and special occasions for her kids and grandkids. She loved art, painting, and quilting. Being a prolific quilter, she made quilts for family and donated many to Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch. She was fiercely proud of her Finnish/Irish/ Scottish heritage. She also loved fishing and camping, going to the Highwoods and Gibson Reservoir, following her kids in 4-H, and attending rodeos, including numerous trips to the NFR and Cowboy Christmas. She followed the sports of her children and grandchildren and delighted in having the students and their parents at Belt School call her “Grandma.” She was always in the stands cheering.

With their parents deceased, Mom’s nuclear family became very close, celebrating important times together. We all have fond memories of family reunions and Mom hosting Hill family Christmases. Mom’s passing will leave a hole in the lives of many and she was pleased to be able to live out her life on the ranch.

Survivors include her children, Sandra Watkins (Darrell), Debra Garverich (Mike), Cynthia Lake (Alan), Elizabeth Simpson (Audie), Robert Anderson, and Emil Anderson (Kay); her 23 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren; and her brother, Oscar (Betty) Hill.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bob on April 10, 2009, son-in-law Floyd Dahl, daughter-in-law Laurie Anderson, sisters, Teresa Tower and Peggy Stenzel, and brothers Ray Hill and John Hill.

During the last few difficult months, the family would like to give special thanks to all the friends and family who visited and brought flowers, and to the caregivers who made it possible for her to remain at home.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Geyser Community Center on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 2PM for all to attend.

Donations may be made to Otter Creek Fire, 3348 Limestone Canyon Rd, Raynesford, MT 59469.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jean Ann Anderson, please visit our floral store.