Jill (Terrett) Rohyans died gently in the tender company of her daughter Amy and sister Jane September 26th, her beloved husband’s birthday, after an 8 month dance with primary peritoneal cancer.
The great mystery of the brilliant cosmos became hers to unfold as she soared amongst the Billions and Billions of stars igniting the universe and her immeasurable wonder. Jill then softly landed in the heavenly arms of her loving husband Ken and angel daughters, Becki and Terri.
Jill was born January 27, 1943 to Pete and June Terrett in San Angelo, TX, where her father was stationed with the U.S. Air Force. She attended schools in Billings and Great Falls, MT, but spent most of her school career in Glendive, MT where she graduated and furthered her education at Dawson Community and Carroll Colleges.
While in Glendive, Jill was a member of Rainbow, received the Grand Cross of Colors and served as the Grand Officer at Grand Assembly. She also joined the Order of Eastern Star.
After graduation, Jill married Carl Clapp and had a daughter, Terri. Inspired by her adored Down Syndrome brother Jack, Jill worked tirelessly with her mother to establish Eastmont, a pioneering program with the goal of deinstitutionalizing individuals with developmental delights. Eastmont aimed at providing essential care and attention in a community setting so individuals could be close to their families and decrease the necessity to go to the, then, Boulder River School and Hospital.
After her divorce, Jill remained in Glendive and served as Vice President of the State Association of Retarded Citizens. Jill met Ken Rohyans, a national officer for the association and their friendship blossomed into a beautiful relationship. Jill and Ken were married December 5, 1969, blending their families in love. They then moved to Federal Way, WA.
In 1971, after having their daughter, Amy, the family moved to Helena, MT where Ken took the job of Executive Director of the Montana Association of Retarded Citizens and Jill as secretary. In 1979, Jill was awarded the Jefferson Award by Gov. Thomas L. Judge for outstanding public service and commitment to the association. After much legislative lobbying on behalf of the association, Jill caught the fever and served as legislative secretary for over 20 years. Jill ended her legislative career as Secretary to the President of the Senate, her wonderful friend Bob Brown.
In 1976, Jill and Ken adopted their Down Syndrome daughter, Becki. She was the light of their lives and a family favorite. Becki defied the doctors and lived 34 years, and we feel, directly because of the immeasurable love and lifelong devotion of her faithful mother. Becki’s involvement in Special Olympics became a family affair and in 1996 the family was named the State Special Olympics Family of the Year.
Jill’s interests included, the arts; painting, music, crafting, scrapbooking, card making and photography, a great love of the cosmos which led her on many astronomical adventures, and travel, especially her trips with Ken to Hawaii and their European vacation culminating with Amy’s college graduation at Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria.
Jill was a tireless fan of her beloved grandsons Tyson, Kahner and Reilly. G’Ma was a constant at all baseball, basketball and football games and wrestling matches and strived to be a solid source of support and unconditional love, a love rivaled only by that of their mother. G’Ma treasured her recent dates with Kahner and Reilly and so cherished her trip(s) to the Boulder River watching Tyson fish where she sat soaking up the surroundings. Jill’s lifetime memories of summers on the river are as beautiful as the river’s dancing glints of sunlight and as countless as the colorful rocks that encourage the river to sing.
Jill was preceded in death by her parents, Pete and June Terrett, brother, Jack Terrett, husband, Ken Rohyans and daughters Terri Leary and Becki Rohyans.
She is survived by her devoted daughter Amy Rohyans Stewart (Brian), son-in-law, Mick Leary, stepchildren, Barbara Denny (Marty), Patricia Coakley (Steve) and Kathy Wells (Harold), Dave (Karen) and Mark Rohyans, loving sister Jane Marks (Rick), her precious Applepants, niece Chris Phillips (Scott and son William), her beloved grandchildren Tyson Benson, Kahner and Reilly Leary, Vienna Stewart, Max and Nick Denny, Tess Lehn and Joshua Lytle.
Thank you to her dear friends and family whom she so deeply loved and who have returned that love immeasurably. We are grateful for the gift of you.
Services to be held Saturday, October 2nd at 4:00 p.m. at Plymouth Congregational Church, 400 So. Oakes. Jill want you to wear happy colors to her celebration! In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Helena Special Olympics, Independent Athletes, PO Box 3507, Great Falls, MT 59403. Local arrangements have been entrusted to Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
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Brenda Schnittgen says
As I write this, tears are running down my cheeks. What a LADY. I was foturnate to meet your Mom and Becki through your Dad while I was working at Consultec. What a joy it was to run into your Mom and Becki on their shopping adventures and to stop in to Montana Eyecare where I worked at the time. I’ll always cherish the memory of your Mom and Becki attending my wedding 7+ years ago. I still remember my gif, wrapped beautifully in paper and topped off with flowers. Your Mom was surprised that she actually picked flowers that matched my wedding colors. I thought of her often, especially while out shopping. What a tough couple years she had. Your family….Dad, Mom, Sister, are ones I will never, ever forget. Your Mom ALWAYS had a smile and was an inspiration to anyone who met her. I’m sure her heart was aching after the loss of your Dad, Becki and Terri. Her heart will ache no more. Being with Ken on his Birthday. She is now an Angel watching over all her loved ones left here on earth, singing in the Heavens with Becki. I can hear them now. My prayers to all of her family, I’m sure your hearts are aching too. May there be comfort in knowing how many lives the Rohyans family has touched….and will continue to touch. Peace be with you all.
Vicki Dunham says
To Amy, Jane and families – I’m sending deepest condolences from the staff and the larger Special Olympics Montana family. Jane, Becki and Ken were among the first Special Olympics families that I met when I began working for SOMT more than 12 years ago. When they were named Family of the Year, so many people celebrated them because there could not have been more worthy recipients. During that time, Jill’s warmth and humor marked her in my heart. I last spoke to her several months ago, as she was about to go to Boise for treatment. She was lovely, poised and warm as ever despite the challenges she knew were ahead. I will miss her, and feel the enormous loss of a family who each had so much to give. I know I speak for so many, many others. Thinking of all of you. Vicki Dunham at Special Olympics Montana in Great Falls
Diana Richards says
To the Family of Jill Rohyans,
We were shocked and so sad to read of Jill’s death. She was a wonderful neighbor and friend of ours when we lived on Maynard Road in Helena. She always had a smile and a friendly wave as she and Becki drove by in their little yellow volkswagon bug. She was always so kind and loving to our A.J. and Brittany and was fun to talk to. I’m so glad we got to visit with her when we were back in Montana to visit two summers ago. She was truly a great lady and I know that all of you that are left behind will miss her every day.
Sending our prayers and sincere sympathy,
Allen, Diana, A.J. & Brittany Richards
Mary Ann Bach says
Dear Jane, I was so so sad to hear the news of Jill passing. My memories of her are some of the BEST MEMORIES of my younger years. She was always so good to me, my meomories of all the Terrett family are some of the best. May happy memories carry you through this sad time and those memories are the legacy of Jill and all her love. My heart aches for all of you and all you have been through. Love you Jane and my thoughts and prayers are with you, Amy, Chrissy and Jill’s grandchildren
Ruth Wallace says
Amy,
I am Jeanne’s sister in Spokane, and just let you know how sad I am to hear the news of your Mother’s passing. What a great lady she was and to think that she and Becki are together with Ken, I hope gives you the comfort needed at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Sincerely, Ruth and Jim Wallace
Pam Brown says
We offer our very warm thoughts and prayers for Jill’s Family. She was one of the kindest and most generous of people that we knew. May she, Becky and Teri rest in peace in Heaven.
Jill will be deeply missed.
Maya God Bless,
Pam, Charlie & John Brown
Helena, MT
Starshine says
I knew Jill was special but had no idea about her dedicated involvement with special olympics. However, whatever Jill did, she was completely involved. My joy is knowing her and her family; my sadness is not knowing her other than in astronomy.
Love, Starshine
Gin Kraus says
To Jill’s loving family, I want to send to all of you my prayers. My you find peace knowing that Jill is in the loving arms of her family in Heaven. Your last year has been a very sad one losing both Becky and Teri and now Jill.
Linda Casey says
Tyson, Kahner and Reilly. I just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you through these tough times. What a burden you boys have had to bear over the past 18 month. My prayers are with you and your Aunt Amy.
Sheryl Brown says
I extend my sympathy to the family. I have wonderful memories of when we were in high school. She was a wonderful person then and from reading about her life she continues to be that. She will be missed.
Carol J. (Walker) Overlie says
My prayers go to all of for the loss of Jill. I am one of her high school classmates. She was always a joy to be around and had such a beautiful smile. She will be missed at our next class reunion. Carol
Lori Wegner says
Jane, I am so sorry for your loss. You have been through so much in such a short amount of time. Please know that I am praying for you.