Jean A. Davis
Jean Annette Davis was born to Herbert A. Pope and Pearl Pickering Pope on April 12, 1920 in Lakewood, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. Jean was the youngest of three children, with brothers Paul and Herbert. Jean passed away November 30, 2021 at the age of 101. She graduated from Lakewood High School in 1938, and briefly attended business college before beginning her professional career as a stenographer in a bank. Jean and two friends then struck out on an adventure, moving to California during World War II where she worked for the War Production Board. While attending a USO dance there, she met her future husband, Dan T. Davis, a handsome young cowboy from Montana who was serving in the United States Navy. Jean and Dan were married in San Bernardino, California on June 22, 1945.
After Dan’s discharge from the Navy he and Jean moved to Avon, Montana in 1946, where they took up residence in a two-room converted garage as their first home. Jean quickly adapted to hauling her own water, cooking on a wood-fired stove, and using the rustic bathroom facilities available at the family ranch near Avon. Jean never looked back at her city upbringing, fully enjoying being a rancher’s wife. “It was a great adventure,” she remarked.
Dan and Jean had three daughters: Linda, born in 1947; Joan, born in 1951; and Diane born in 1965. In 1967 the family moved to Helena, where they purchased a small ranch in the east valley. Jean started a new career as an alteration seamstress at McDonald’s Department Store, before becoming a bookkeeper for Sage Advertising, a job which she held until ending her working career with a position at the Lewis and Clark County Planning Department.
But Jean didn’t stop there. She began volunteering as an AARP tax preparation aide helping senior citizens file their returns, and photographing and welcoming newborn babies into the world at St. Peter’s Hospital—jobs she enjoyed well into her 90s. She celebrated her 100th birthday during the 2020 pandemic from her apartment balcony at Touchmark, with a parade given by Helena’s firefighters and police officers.
Jean was an accomplished seamstress and quilter, an avid reader, and ruthless crossword puzzle solver. Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, her parents and brothers, two nephews and a niece. Jean is survived by her daughters Linda Heidle (Gary), Joan Burdick (Bill), and Diane Hould (Jay). She is also survived by her grandchildren Eric Heidle, Carl Heidle, Rachel Hould, Eric Burdick and numerous nieces and nephews.
No services are scheduled at this time. If you would like to honor Jean’s memory, feel free to make a donation in her name to either the Salvation Army or the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, or a charity that’s meaningful to you.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Laura Calkin says
Hi Diane. So sorry to learn of your mom’s passing. She was such a grand lady. I really enjoyed knowing her. She was of a great help to 4-H, either judging or announcing at the shows. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Stephanie White says
So sorry for your loss Diane. Your mom was a beautiful woman with an amazing story and a genuine loving spirit. I enjoyed the times she visited up here. Peace to you all as you remember and celebrate the many years of joy you shared. What a gift to have had her in your life and to know she had Jesus in hers. May God’s presence surround you, Jay and Rachel in tangible ways as you walk this valley together.
Mike Dorow says
I remember my great aunt Jean as caring, funny and always having a great smile to greet me. She gave the best hugs anyone could ask for. I’m so sorry she is gone but I know she will always be loved and missed by all who had the opportunity to spend time with her. What a wonderful long life she had!
Ginny Eagar says
Jean was such a delight to know. I worked with her ar the AARP tax center. She was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge and we were all sad when she decided 94 was a good age to retire! She was my idol …always enthusiastic and kind to everyone. The world will miss her.
Concetta Eckel says
Jean will be remembered by so many that she touched and helped. She was an inspiration to me encouraging me to volunteer with AARP Tax-Aide. Her spirit of giving back to the community is her legacy. What a woman!
Roger Thorvilson says
I am so glad that I had the good fortune to know and work with Jean. We volunteered together for quite a few years helping Helena folks with completion and filing of their income taxes. Her mind was sharp, her attitude was cheerful and pleasant, and she helped her fellow volunteers as well as the taxpayers who came to us for assistance. I attended her 90th birthday celebration and was sorry that coronavirus interfered with celebrating her 100th. I miss her already!
Gene & Jeanne Bryan says
We have many memories of Miss Jean, but none more precious than a trip to the “Gates of the Mountains” on Montana’s Missouri River when the boat captain asked for her help in diving the boat. Her son-in-law told our guide that Jean had greeted Lewis & Clark when they visited the area on their epic Voyage of Discovery.
Photos here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/mxmqt6f8zj1ulvd/AADaE9CxG8u4tznoZ3JdzMo-a?dl=0
Rae Lynn Christians says
Jean was our neighbor on Casper Drive in East Helena, we loved her! Also I got the privilege of seeing her at the hospital as I worked there too! An amazing lady!!!
Sharlene Goodman Stav says
Dear Diane,
I’m sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was a big part of our youth, with 4-H, horse showing and all she did for us kids.
I always think of your parents with warm thoughts.
Thinking of you, Sharlene Goodman Stav
Marcy Reher and Vince Serumgard says
We both worked with Jean at St. Peter’s Hospital and we SO enjoyed her! We’re sorry to hear of her passing but we will always remember her joyful attitude, her down-home tough spirit and her crazy good computer savviness, regardless of being in her 90’s! We’re very grateful to have known her.