Jeanne Ritchey Senecal, age 61 of Avon, Montana, entered the gates of Heaven on Saturday, March 7, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. Her battle with cancer lasted three years. She fought bravely each day, and was thankful for the moments God gave her to spend with her four beautiful grandchildren, children, and husband.
Jeanne was born in Bismarck, North Dakota, on November 10, 1958, to Bill and Arla Ritchey three minutes after her twin sister, Julie. In 1962, her family moved to Helena, Montana, where she graduated from Helena High School. On September 6, 1980, Jeanne married Dan Senecal of Avon. Dan and Jeanne ranched full time in Avon for 18 years. During this time they were blessed with two wonderful children: Cortney and Joshua. Dan and Jeanne raised their children to love God, work hard, and show kindness.
Dan and Jeanne built their dream home on Bluebird Hill outside of Avon after leaving the ranching business, and in 2000, they began a productive career in real estate. Their home was a safe-haven for many and Jeanne was known to show incredible hospitality to anyone who walked through her doors. Throughout their 40 years of marriage, Dan and Jeanne always worked side-by-side. Their strengths in different areas made them a successful and strong team in all their endeavors.
During the last few years of life, Jeanne devoted as much time as possible to her family. She treasured her moments with her grandchildren and was honored to be the mother of her two children.
Jeanne’s strong faith, loving family, Big Sky Broker family, and supportive friends helped her through this difficult journey. Each day Jeanne prayed for healing, but through it all she praised God and trusted Him no matter what happened. Her friends will remember her for her grace, kindness, hospitality, and sweet spirit. She fought so courageously because she loved those around her so much.
Jeanne is preceded in death by her Father, Bill Ritchey, and Infant son, Zachery Senecal.
She is survived by her husband, Dan Senecal, of Avon; daughter, Cortney Senecal, grandchildren, Abigail (13) and Jonathan (10) of Helena; son and daughter-in-law, Joshua and Sarah Senecal, grandchildren, Tel (7) and Rylie (3) of Ronan; mother, Arla Ritchey, sister, Julie Bailey, brother, Rodney Ritchey, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, sister-in-laws, and brother-in-laws that dearly loved her.
Honorary pallbearers are Tel Senecal, Jonathan Charlton, Gabe Nistler, Ed Stephens, Tom Senecal, Austin Senecal, John Alfson, and Scott Bailey.
A memorial service honoring Jeanne’s life will be held March 14th at 11:00 am at Helena First Assembly of God, 2210 Dodge Street, Helena, MT, with a reception to follow. All friends and family are welcome to attend the memorial ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please make all memorial contributions to Options Clinic of Helena and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
RIkk Weber says
Dear sweet Jeanne, may God the father wrap his loving arms around you and take you into paradise. Your kindness and loving nature will now be rewarded as you have always deserved. We will miss you and think of you often. We all have such wonderful memories of you and will carry your legacy forward. We didn’t live near you but always got updates on a life that you lived so well. Jeanne, I think we first met during your ranching years. I met my Cousins wife knee deep in the cattle pens, shocker in hand and control of the herd. We moved the herd, sorted, did some branding and shots that day. None of which could have been done without your guidance and knowledge of the job. toward the end of the task, I had notice your departure, thinking to my self “was it something I said”. Ten or so minutes later we’re asked to head for the house and wash up. As we arrived into the ranch house, the smell of Breakfast filled the air. This was not the breakfast you see everyday, but a true feast. The likes of which I had ever seen or had since. This incredible person not only worked the ranch, but also fed the help. She had 10 minutes, how she did it still baffles me. I fell in love with cattle ranching that day. And Jeanne you made that special just for me. We Love you Forever
Sheri Burfeind says
Dear Jeanne,
I miss you very much. You were always so kind and thoughtful. I loved sharing cake with you on our shared birthday and doing your books. Your were always smiling and helping people. Your strength was amazing and you will always be in my heart. I know your walking amongst the angels and am so glad your now happy, healthy and having the best days of your life. Much love.
Karen Tyler says
Dan and family.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Jeanne was the friend if we did not see each other for awhile we would hug and feel like we had always been together. The last time I saw her she held my hand the whole time we talked. I will always treasure that.
All my love….Karen Tyler
Joan Stocker says
Jeanne,
You were and always will be loved. Like your Mom, you were always so loving, accepting, kind and truly an angel on earth as you are now in heaven. Your courage, strength, and your kindness were truly inspiring.
I love you for ever
God bless you for ever
Joan
Glenn Shores says
My Dear Dear friend of only a short time but the most quality and sincere a freind you could ever ask for. You were my cancer warrior and my pillar to beat this terrible mountain that was handed to us. I was so blessed to have a freind like you to be able to talk to when times were rough for the both of us. I will never ever forget you and your wonderful caring husband Dan who also always was support to both of us. I told Jeannie many times Dan is a Saint, she would say i know i am so blessed to have him and my family. We were all blessed to have her in our lives. Its going to be so hard to head back to Arizona knowing i wont be able to physically see and talk to you but you will be there in spirit and soul through our amazing Father in Heaven. im sad your gone but happy and thankful you are in no more pain. I will Always love you as my freind until we meet again in heaven for the ctca reunion. You are a beautiful angel i know. Please watch over me through these treatments until we meet again. Prayers to the family
Jon & Becky Bass says
TO ALL OF JEANNE FAMILY, WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED TO SAY WE HAD SUCH GOOD TIMES WITH JEANNE AND DAN, WHEN WE LIVED IN HELENA,WE CONSIDER THEM AS VERY GOOD FRIENDS EVEN THROUGH WE MOVED AWAY MANY YEARS AGO. WE WERE SADDENED BUT KNOW WHERE JEANNE IS. I STILL REMEMBER THE DAY YOU GUYS GOT MARRIED. SO SPECIAL. DAN AND FAMILY WE PRAY OUR SAVIOR CARRIES YOU THROUGH THE DAYS, AHEAD AND WHAT A BEAUTIFUL LIFE LIVED AND LEGACY SHE HAS IMPRINTED IN OUR HEARTS. WE LOVE YOU AND PRAY FOR YOU !!!!!!! FRIENDS FOREVER JON & BECKY BASS
John & Cherie Dahl says
Dan, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the family. Jeanne was a special lady and we valued our friendship with the two of you 🙏🙏🙏
ron shields says
Dan and kids may the Lord continue to “bless and Keep You” Ron and Addie
. Cindy says
Jeanne and Dan, forever help you Both in high places. God worked many miracles in your lives. What a beautiful family. I always felt welcome in your lovely home. She is with Jesus and is now healed completely. Prayers for your family Dan. Cindy Ferris..Evelyn and Chuck Roat
Kim Wichman says
Dear Dan and family:
May Jesus’s blessings and comfort be upon you at this tough time in your lives. Jeanne, you were one of those people I could just strike up a conversation with even after not seeing you for 10 years ( High School reunions). Jeanne and Dan were always so much fun to hang out with. I am glad we have that type of friendship. I will miss you dearly Jeanne, my friend, but I also know that you are with Jesus, free of pain and suffering. Someday we will get to converse again. What a joyous celebration that will be!
Jay Gullon says
Jeanne, thank you for always making Mika and I feel at home in Avon. You always showered us with homemade rolls and desserts. Your caramel cream flan will always be the standard to which all others are measured. 🍮 Saving a newborn calf with you is a cherished memory this city boy will carry to the end of his days. You will forever me missed and loved ❤️
Merry (Deen) Axtell says
Dan and family,
I know you rarely hear from us, but the Moore side of the family sends their love and deepest sympathy in this time of lose. May the knowledge of the Blessing of Jesus for Jeanne (and all of us) be of comfort to you, and may the Lord continue to bless and keep you all.
Melanie Ruby says
A truly bright light has left this earth. Having worked with Jeanne’s mother Arla for many years at the state, I met Jeanne a few times, and was always so impressed with her kindness, friendliness and light spirit. She was a wonderful person. May she rest in peace after her cancer fight, and my deepest sympathies go to Arla, Dan, Julie, Rod, children and grandchildren at your great loss. May you take some solace from knowing Jeanne made the world a better place.
Rudy J Tomich says
Dan may God bless. I met Jeanne over 40 years ago when working for Unemployment Insurance. She was a kind person then and in the times I would see her in later years. The world was better because of her.
Ken & Pat Ross says
Dan, You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you in these difficult days. Blessings.
Larry Petty says
Dan & Family, My thoughts & prayers are with you. God Bless
Debbie Slead says
To all of Jeanne ‘s family my prayers are with you all. I worked with Jeanne at Unemployment Insurance and I remember so well when she met Dan. Oh my goodness all you had to do was look and listen and you knew she met the love of her life. Her smile lit up the office. I couldn’t imagine this gentle city girl working on a ranch. But she could do anything with Dan, and that she did. You will be missed.
Bonnie & Dennis Crawford says
Dan & family,
Sending our condolences to you Dan and your family. Jeanne was such a kind and thoughtful person when we worked with her during our real estate years in Helena. May you find comfort in knowing that she brightened people’s lives on a daily basis. She will be missed.
Bonnie & Dennis Crawford
Pat Murdo says
Dan and family – my thoughts and prayers are with you. We are all more fortunate for having had Jeanne in our lives – even if briefly.
Judy and Ron Curtisd says
Arla – our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Jeanne was a lovely person. Take care.
Fran says
I loved Jeanne. She helped me launch a new grant program at the Department of Commerce in 2001 and 2002. She had a thousand watt smile. We prayed together often. She was a gifted computer techie. She was a fabulous production cook and included everyone for holiday meals. She was dear, genuine, authentic . I trusted her and she trusted me. I will never forget her. Dan, Arla, Courtney, Josh and families, you are all in my prayers.