Jean Baucus, a rancher, historian, patron of the arts and mother of three children, including U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, died peacefully at her home in Helena Saturday, Dec. 10, at age 94.
She was born in Helena July 7, 1917, the daughter of Fred and Bernice (Sieben) Sheriff. She attended Hawthorne School, graduated from Helena High School, attending classes in railroad cars after the 1935 Helena earthquake. She attended Stanford University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in economics.
She married John J. Baucus on March 9, 1947. They raised their children in Helena, while actively running the nearby Sieben Ranch. John died in 1993.
Jean’s mother, Bernice, was one of two daughters of Henry and Alberta Sieben. The other Sieben daughter, Margaret, married Alfred Hibbard. In 1896, Henry Sieben bought the historic Mitchell Ranch, north of Helena and gradually added to it. It was eventually divided between the two daughters’ families. Part is still called the Sieben Ranch and is owned by the son of Jean Baucus, John Baucus and his wife Nina. The other portion, named the Adel Ranch, is owned by the Hibbard family.
Jean Baucus was raised both in Helena and on the Sieben Ranch, about 20 miles north of Helena. Jean’s love of the ranch extended to Montana history in general because the two were often interwoven. She accumulated a significant library on the subject and wrote a book that focused on her grandfather, “Henry Sieben, 1846-1937: Legacy of Livestock and Land.” Additionally, Jean often talked about her car rides as a child to the Sieben and Adel ranches.
Her other books focused on the homes and history of Helena. They were: “Helena: Her Historic Homes, Vols. 1 and 2:” “Gold in the Gulch;” and, with Vivian Paladin, “Helena: An Illustrated History.”
As a granddaughter of Henry Sieben, pioneer Montana rancher, Jean spent much of her life involved with the family ranch. She rode horseback, participated in family outings, photographed ranch activities and planned the great Fourth of July celebrations at the ranch. She was a gracious hostess who enjoyed sharing the ranch and its rich Montana history with family and friends at her many picnics there.
“She was Grace Kelly and Katharine Hepburn wrapped into one,” said her son, Sen. Max Baucus.
Jean was always involved in many Helena community activities. She was active in the Gray Ladies, a Red Cross group, during World War II, the early Helena Follies, the state Diamond Jubilee events and, along with other Girl Scout leaders, helped raise the money needed for the purchase of the land and building of Camp Thunderbird. Jean worked as a docent at the Montana Historical Society and was a member of the boards of the Holter Museum and Carroll College.
Always a patron of the arts, she was very supportive of the Archie Bray Foundation, Montana Historical Society and Western Rendezvous of Art. Jean was a buyer at every Quick Draw from the beginning at Frontier Town until recently when the Quick Draws have been held in the big yard at her beloved Sieben Ranch.
Jean and John enjoyed traveling around the country and the world. She climbed the Great Wall of China, walked in the Coliseum in Rome, sailed through the Panama Canal, rode a camel near the great pyramids in Egypt, photographed the wildlife in the Galapagos Islands and toured Machu Picchu in Peru.
Whether traveling throughout the world, serving her community at home, planning a picnic for family or friends or watching the sun set at her cabin at the ranch, Jean never her love of life or the joy of adventure.
Survivors include three children, Sen. Max (Melodee) Baucus of Helena and Washington, D.C.; Karen Kallay of Fredericksburg, Va., and John (Nina) Baucus of the Sieben Ranch.
She had seven grandchildren, including one who is deceased, and five great-grandchildren.
The family would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Jay Larson, as well as her caregivers, Sheri, Erica and Amber. A special thank you to Holly and Pat.
A social gathering will begin 1:00 p.m. Tuesday December 27, 2011 on the second floor of the Montana Club with a sharing of stories and remembrances from family and friends to start at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jean’s name to one of her favorite charities, which include: The Holter Museum in Helena, Carroll College, Exploration Works, a museum for children in Helena, the Helena Education Foundation or the Helena Symphony Association.
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home in Helena is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com or www.retzfuneralhome.com.
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Nancy Perry says
To the Baucus family,
I am so sorry to read about the passing of your mother/grandmother Jean. Mrs. Baucus was a lovely lady who was always so kind to me when I visited the Baucus family to play with Karen. Her wonderful manners and attitude about life are reflected in her children. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Nancy Perry