Betty Jean (Alsager) Price, age 74 passed peacefully at home in the early morning on February 20th, 2014 in Helena, MT.
Jean, as she preferred to be called, was born April 2, 1939 in Rapid City, SD and was the second of four children born to Gerald Alsager, and Mae Crouch Alsager
When she was a young girl she moved with her family to Cut Bank, MT where she attended Cut Bank Elementary School, St. Margaret’s Catholic School, and Cut Bank High School where she graduated in 1959.
Jean met George Price and they were married in 1960 and after having four children, they divorced in 1964.
Realizing she had to raise her children on her own Jean moved her family to Clancy, MT in 1969 where she enrolled in LPN Nursing training at the Helena-VoTech. She was a nurse for close to 25 years at Hillbrook Nursing Home in Clancy, MT from which she retired.
Jean’s family was her life, and in fact babysat her great grandchildren until her health made it impossible for her not to. Though that was not enough to slow her down because she was “Nana”, and Nana was always up for some time with “her babies”. She was a generous woman with a huge heart that offered refuge to so many. She gave her love without question and offered a hand to so many while asking nothing in return. She believed that a person should be judged by their heart, and nothing else. This lesson alone set her apart from many. She shared her love of music and books to her children and in that love created so many wonderful memories.
She lived in Clancy close to 30 years, and formed a strong circle of friends, before she moved to Helena and settled at the M.E. Anderson apartment building. There her circle of friends expanded. She became active in the social circle of the building as well as many political causes. It was where she adopted her beloved cats, and in that gained another type of family. In her scooter, Jean, could be seen traipsing around Helena going to appointments, and shopping. She always managed to wave at those she passed.
Jean is preceded in death by her father, Gerald M. Alsager, two daughters Anne and Marie Price, and her brother Donald John Alsager as well as many uncles, aunts and cousins.
Jean is survived by her mother Mae Farrell of Clancy, MT, her brothers Ronald Alsager of Clancy, MT and Jerry Alsager (Marie) of Spokane, WA. Her two children Jerry Price (Leslie) of Pullman, WA, daughter Barbara Wood (Zachary) of Grand Forks, ND. Grandchildren, Nolan Palmer (Jessi) of Helena, Elizabeth Wood (Joe Vaca), Elizabeth Veach, and Alex Veach of Helena. Emily Wood, and Marinda Wood of Grand Forks, ND. Many great grandchildren, cousins, aunts, nieces and nephews from all over the country.
A memorial service celebrating Jean’s life will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1867 North Washington Street in Helena, MT at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 28th. This will be a time for all to remember Jean, and all she loved and touched. Jean’s life will be celebrated, and in that she will be happy. In lieu of flowers the family requests that a donation made in Jean’s name to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604. Jean will be missed by many, more than she even knew because she touched so many lives. She will be remembered for her kindness, her spunk, and her heart.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday February 28, 2014
Knight of Columbas
1867 North Washington Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday February 28, 2014
Knight of Columbas
1867 North Washington Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
liz ann says
Nana it was one of the best days of my life when i met you!!!. ..right now i may be a little lost, but i will never give up because you will be in my heart whenever i need you. I Love You Nana!!!
p.s frodo and molly love you too!!
Becky says
Like a bridge over troubled water, the love Jean extended to me when my husband passed suddenly, was constant and so needed, and she gave effortlessly ,with joy. She remains one of the most extraordinary people I have ever had the privilege to know.
bambi kelly says
Jean was one of the most beautiful women that i have had the pleasure to meet. She was like a soulmate to me. You will greatly be missed but not forgotten. Thank you for all you did.Say hello to Lou and all for me. Love you much. So does Tara.
Ron Alsager says
I never told Jean very often that I loved her, but I really did. She would say to me ” you love me and you know you do, besides I’m your favorite sister.” Methinks no truer words were ever spoken. She was my sister and I’d do anything she ask, sometimes I’d grumble most of the time I just did it any way it was done, I felt priviliged to do iyt.
big brother says
Although I have never said it very much sis, I do love you and you will be sorely missed. Someday we will meet again. Family get-togethers will never be the same again.
Shanda Tompkins says
Jean always had a smile and a very kind heart. I am deeply sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you through this time.
Sincerely,
Shanda Larson Tompkins
LaVada Alsager says
Even though we did’t talk often, I enjoyed our talks. You were the type of person who was filled with love and it came across the phone line. God Bless Jean, and know you will be missed.
Cuz
Gloria Hoke says
We hadn’t been in touch over the years until Jean joined Facebook. We did some talking there and shared pictures and recipes. It was nice to have that communication. You will always be in my heart Jean.
Brian says
Nana was all ways so kind to me and such a loving person. my prayers go out to her family. she will be missed.
traci says
nana was an amazing lady I loved spending time at her her house her place in clany.. she will be greatly missed by me and my family we love and miss you
Vicki says
A friend for almost 40 years, but was more like my other sister. Gave me an extended family to love. Helped me through my years as a mother, always working the weekends for me so I could chase after my kids. I will miss Jean more than words can express. Happy trails, Jean. Love you and your family much.
Doreen Kluck says
I worked with Jean for many years at the nursing home, enjoyed every minute. We only talked on the phone a couple of times a year, but she was always so busy, she inspired me to get up off of the sofa and do more. I will miss our chats. Love to Mae and the rest of the family. Jean was a special lady.
Edie Wheat says
Jean, “Nana” was a very special lady and loved by so many people, she now has her “Flying Wings” . Be still, close your eyes and “See” her, she is hovering over you right now, to help you in any way she can. Dear Jean remains in the hearts and fond memories of many, she will be greatly missed………… she was such a loving gal.
Love and prayers to all of Jean’s family.
Edie
Mary Lou Phelan says
Just heard today of Jean’s passing.We go back along way with our kids in the 70’s & as coworkers in the 80’s. You were a good friend & we will always remember you.Love to the family. Mary Lou
Kay Boyter says
Jean and I worked togather at Hillbrook Nursing Home for 12 years as nurses. My fondest memory of her is when we heard a group of words that reminded us of the same song, we’d break into that song together. Yes, right at work! And, she gave our son, Steve, a Christmas gift that reminds us of her every Christmas when we take it out of the box for display. She was a dear person. Love you, Jean.
Leslie and Jerry Crook says
We keep thinking we need to call you about all that is going on and tell you. I had the worst stomach flu or food poisoning ever during your wake. However…I believe with all my heart that after how you and I could talk nursing like nobody’s business, you saw me and knew. Our last conversation was filled with love, laughter, relief at figuring out how to put all together for your son, my husband. It was heartwarming, Nana. I feel blessed to know that we know that that is how you went to sleep….with peace and relief upon your tired heart. Love you BIG. Leslie and Jerry. PS. Patrick says Hi and also he will be getting out his paranormal equipment, so be ready.
Mary (Chapek) Halvorson says
Jean worked for me for about 20 years at the Hillbrook Nursing Home in Clancy, Mt. She was a good nurse and knew her job. I have continued to be in touch with her every Christmas and on her Birthday. She will be missed by all.