Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ called Jean Rose (Van Kuiken) Anderson to His side on October 10th, 2016 at Son Heaven II Assisted Living in Helena, Montana. She passed peacefully surrounded by her family members. Jean, 92, was the only child born to Richard and Nellie (Corson) Van Kuiken on February 13, 1924 in Great Falls, Montana.
Jean was married to her beloved Robert (Bob) H. Anderson on November 20, 1942, who preceded her in death on December 29, 2009. She is survived by her four children, Richard Anderson (Tammy) and William Anderson (Marie) of Helena, Robert Anderson (Mona) of Riverton, WY, and Janice Anderson Harris (Doug) of Colorado Springs, CO. Her children have blessed her with eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, and their family members and significant others.
Following her father’s early death at age 49, Jean and her mother moved from Great Falls to St. Ignatius, Montana where they both worked on a local ranch, eventually moving to Big Fork, Montana. Jean excelled at Big Fork High School and was her class Salutatorian and received a scholarship to Eastern Montana College In Billings.
Jean never used that scholarship; instead she fell in love with a boy named Bob Anderson. With the onset of WWII Bob joined the Army Air Corps and following an overseas assignment as a P-38 fighter pilot, they moved to California where Bob finished his active duty and they subsequently moved back to St Ignatius.
They eventually settled in Helena and Jean worked in the insurance industry for 30 years and retired in 1984, having moved through the ranks from a basic wage earner to an Executive Administrative Manager, all while raising four children, caring for their home, and becoming an active member of the First Lutheran Church, having served on the Mary-Martha Guild.
Jean and Bob enjoyed many years of travel, family, gardening and friends.
A memorial service celebrating Jean’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 14th at First Lutheran Church, 2231 E. Broadway Street. A coffee and cookie reception will follow the memorial service in the fellowship hall of the church. A private burial service will take place at Forestvale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Jean’s name to Son Heaven Assisted Living at 2450 Ferndale Lane, Helena, MT 59601; or to a charity of one’s choice. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jean.
beth voyles says
just want to say to the family how very sorry i am at your loss. jean was one of my favorite ladies ive taken care of. we would sit and talk for a long time in the evenings when i went to take care of her at son heaven. we shared a love of romance novels and we would talk alot about our favorite authors. we also talked alot about what was wrong with the world and how we would solve it. we agreed that we would straighten things out together. 🙂 your family is very lucky to have had her for your mother and grandmother. what an amazing lady she was. i have so many wonderful memories of her. may she RIP. much love and hugs to you all. xoxoxoxoxo
Deb Winston Bushnell says
Dear Andy and Marie, we were so sorry to hear of Jean’s passing. She was a real sweetie and I know she will be greatly missed. Thinking of you both and your family during this sad time. Love Deb & Wayne Bushnell
Debra Johnson Brown says
I am sending all the family my deepest condolences on the passing of Jean. May your memories of her and the deep love you shared bring you comfort in the days and years to come. I know how much you will miss her. Rest In Peace dear Jean.
In love and sympathy,
Debra Johnson Brown
Marilyn Maphies says
My thoughts & prayers go out to Jean’s family. I worked with Jean for several years in the Insurance business and I give her so much credit for my success. She was an amazing Supervisor and a dear friend. I last saw her shortly after Bob passed away and I am sorry I did not keep in touch over the past few years. Thought about her so many times. She was a great person!
Becky & Wade Harrison says
Bob, Mona, and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Michael Gregor Family says
Bob, Mona, Robert, and Michael John, We were sorry to bear of your loss.