Jesse Frances Sallin, 89, passed away on November 7th, 2021 at home with her family by her side. Mom was born at home on September 19th, 1932 in Shelby, MT to parents Dan and Leona Dobyns. Rumor has it she was the first 2-year-old that could knit her own baby clothes.
She grew up in Shelby down by the Marias River in a stone house her dad built. After the house flooded twice in one year, they upgraded to a large canvas tent while her dad built a new house. Mom attended the school in Dunkirk as well as St. Thomas in Great Falls. Her time at St. Thomas gave her some great stories of mischief that she would recount up till the end – like stealing ice cream from the nuns and when she snuck out and got arrested, spending the night in jail with her friend (…then getting eggs the next morning for breakfast!)She met our dad, Bill Sallin, in the summer of 1950, and they married three months later on the day after she turned 18 and moved to Great Falls. She decided getting married and having babies was more important than finishing school. This was ironic, given she was a firm believer in education and often volunteered to help her favorite Lincoln school teacher, Kris. She loved having Kris’s second graders read to her and helping the class with holiday cookie plates.Mom and Dad’s first daughter, Kathy, was born in 1951. Mom wanted more babies but it took her 18 years to get pregnant again. During those years, she finally learned to drive and got her first driver’s license when she was 38. Over the next 50 years she made up for lost time by driving over a million miles in her three compact Hondas.
Unfortunately, mom’s next baby was stillborn in July 1969. Less than a year later, she learned of a baby that needed to be adopted. Mom and Dad adopted her without hesitation when she was just three days old. They named her Jill. At that time, mom was actually 2 months pregnant but didn’t tell anyone…she would have had 20 kids if it was up to her. Her son Bill was born later that same year. Her last son, Josh, came three years later – the day before mom turned 41. (The best birthday present of all!) She loved being both a mom and a grandma – and we couldn’t have asked for a better one. They started building on property in Lincoln in 1963 and moved the whole family in 1975.Mom’s passion was making homemade crafts and, boy, did she do it all: crocheting, knitting, quilting, and sewing. She was the epitome of the saying “idle hands are the devil’s playthings,” as that lady just couldn’t sit still. She even asked for her knitting when she was in the hospital, so she could stay busy. She LOVED selling her creations at craft shows, which she did through the summer of 2021. She truly enjoyed seeing all the people at the shows and what other people were selling. She also loved to dance and would go to Great Falls often on the weekends to see if she could find a dancing partner.
She lived a great life and enjoyed traveling. Mom made a couple of trips to Europe, including a family trip to Ireland, and motored around the United States in her car. She was very active in the community of Lincoln, helping organize the annual parade, helping at the school and getting a group of ladies together to sew twice a week (which was the highlight of her week). She was even named Volunteer of the Year in 2016. She helped start Lincoln’s annual Flea Market, the Lincoln Clothing Giveaway, and the Halloween Carnival (1983) in addition to donating dozens of handmade quilts for local organizations.
Mom was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Peggy, Pat, and Danette; brother Dan; husband Bill (1986); and son Bill (2006).
She is survived by daughter Kathy (Howard) and granddaughter Kate; daughter Jill and grandsons Zach and William; and son Josh (Sara) and grandson Kellan. She also has three great grandkids (Enna, James, and Autumn).
Cremation has taken place and there will be a private service at Dunkirk Cemetery later next year. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2022 during the annual Flea Market at Hooper Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her name to the Lincoln Volunteer Ambulance, PO Box 455.
Thank you, mom, for all your love and support and for giving us the best life possible. You will be missed by everyone who met you.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Annette Gardner says
Industrious, generous, kind-hearted — Jesse was a blessing to our community. I admired her feisty spirit and zest for life. Jesse will be greatly missed.
Susan Mason says
Oh Jesse, you will be greatly missed. I will miss your sweet spirit. The room always lit up when you were in it. Thanks for your example of selfless service to your community. Till we meet again dear one.
Jennifer Wiederhold says
The world will be a strange place without you, Jessie! Thank you for always being a kind, generous heart and teaching all of us what it means to love others. Our family will hold yours in our thoughts and prayers.
Connie McCafferty says
Jesse, your energy, kind heart, and community spirit was such an encouragement to us. You were the “best” of Lincoln and no one will ever be able to take your place! I loved your peaceful spirit: “keep calm & carry on” could have been your life motto.God bless your memory.
Ann Pryor says
Thank you Jessie for all the good things you did for Li college. You will be greatly missed especially you smiling face and laugh. Keeping yo9 family on my prayers
Ann Pryor says
Thank you Jessie for all the good things you did for Li coln You will be greatly missed especially you smiling face and laugh. Keeping your family in my prayers
Robyn Ward says
She was a wonderful lady and a I will always remember her from my childhood in Lincoln. She was so talented. We bought many things from her ! So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family ❤️
Carolyn Fogg says
This is a beautiful, loving, tribute to a very talented, amazing lady. I know of her through her daughter Jill and having seen her works of art, was able recently to present one of her quilts to a new baby in our family. I passed this tribute along to them giving them wonderful insight into this very special lady who created it. Your light continues to shine in so many ways.We are keeping you all in prayer.
Jennifer Bickel says
Where to even begin how to explain how much Jesse was loved! You always made me laugh and brought joy to my life! Your laughter was addictive and your talent for sewing was flawless. I loved running into you around town, visiting. You always put a smile on faces but will leave warm hugs and love in our hearts 💕 love you always and miss you til we meet again
diane krier says
A remarkable woman in her own right! im a better person to have known Jessie.
Peace on Jessie!
Linda Haworth and family says
Dear Kathy, Jill, and Josh and families,
I was so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. So glad to see what a busy wonderful life she had! You all were so good to me and Wendy and Dan, and we had so many good memories with all of you through the years. I will treasure them always.
I am sending my best loving prayers to all of you🙏🙏🙏
Jeanette Winslow says
I remember Jesse fondly as a Mom who loved her children fiercely, and as a woman who adored her community almost as much. Jesse embodied the Lincoln spirit. My heartfelt sympathy to her family. I hope they can find comfort knowing that she’s so happy to be reunited with her son and husband again, and don’t worry-she will have knitted robes ready for the rest of you when you join them.
Rhonda McClure says
Jesse was the real deal. She brought out the best in all of us. She had spunk, a contagious laugh, and endless talents. She taught so much to so many. Truly a friendship I will always treasure. Much love and prayers to her family.
Donna Bennett says
So sorry Jill, Zach & Will, I know she meant so much to all of you. You have many memories, hold them near & think of them often.
Brooke Mertens Poskin says
What a great lady! Loved spending time with her when she visited us (the Missouri relatives). Such an interesting person and very talented with the knitting needles! So sorry for your loss – the obituary is a wonderful tribute!
Connie and Tom Fairbairn says
Kathy, Jill and Josh and families,
So sorry to hear about Mom’s passing. She always had a place in my heart, from years of Girl Scouts, friendship with my Mom and countless talks at her craft sales in Lincoln. She was by far the best crafter I knew. Hugs and prayers to all families. Rest in peace.
Teresa Sutton says
So sorry to hear about Jesse, I absolutely adored her. She loved and helped out the community in so many ways, in the school where my kids fell in love with her in 2nd grade with Kris and with the park and the Fire Department, senior center etc.etc. She made beautiful quilts for the fund raisers and helped out in the kitchen every year for the Firemen’s Ball and so much more. So sad for her family and for the community of Lincoln losing such a gentle soul. I’m sure she is already busy up in heaven. ❤️
Pat Habets says
I feel so bad for you all, what a wonderful lady to call Mom. Jesse left a smile on all who knew her. I loved her the minute we met, and nothing ever changed. What ever she was ” up to,” or who she was with, there was something great, fun, and happy about to happen. She will be missed in so many ways to all who called her a friend. I love you all
Cinda walker says
Jesse was a kind harted gal that if she didn’t kno you she took the time to kno you I mean her Thru the Christmas bizarre new to lincon and she greated me with a sweet smile and every sence then if I seen her I stoped and sayed hello and I’m going to miss the sweet lady thank you Jesse for being a bright spot in my life. … Cinda Walker ..
Jim Bosshardt says
Jesse will be truly missed, she was a wonderful example of giving service with a smile. She was loved and admired by many and she was an example of being kind and considerate to others. Lincoln was a better place because of Jesse.
Barb H agen says
My prayers and thoughts are with Jesse’s family during this difficult and sad time… she had such a vibrant spirit, I know the loss will leave a huge hole in the lives of many people.
Sioux Roth says
Thinking of you, Jill and family. Bless Jessie’s heart! Peace and grace be with you and your family.
Richard Flor says
Hello Jill and Kate,
So sad to read of Jessie’s passing, sensing what a big part of your lives she played and that Lincoln has lost someone who brought so much to the community. I trust she’s in a good place, with endless arts and crafts projects for her to work on, and that her presence will guide you as you carry forth her creative energies.
Best to you and your Families as you celebrate her life.
Richard Flor
Hooper Park Campground Host
Anne says
I recently bought a beautiful little blanket, clearly handmade, with Jesse’s name sewn into the corner. Upon googling I found this obituary and just wanted to say that I’ll treasure this blanket.. she sounds like she was a wonderful lady.