Jill Maureen Gailushas, age 56, of Helena, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 20, 2019.
Jill was born to John and Judy Patten in Shelton, WA on December 28, 1962. Jill attended school in Helena and graduated Capital High School in 1980, culminating her education with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Kaplan University where she attained a Summa Cum Laude designation. She was very passionate about her position as a tax examiner with the State of Montana. In 1984, Jill married Bert Gailushas. They were married for 25 years and remained close friends.
Jill was most happy when she spent time being a mom, being TT, having a passion of music, gardening, traveling and camping. Above all, Jill loved her family and friends the most of anything. Whether playing backgammon with her sister, singing karaoke, shopping for antiques, going on trips with her girlfriends or just being vibrant and adventurous, Jill was the bright light for so many souls that she touched. Anyone that knew her, knew how contagious her laugh and smile were.
So fortunate, that the last trip she took was with her daughter, Chantelle, to Nevada for a mother/daughter trip. What a blessing that she got to spend her last days with loved ones.
Jill was preceded in death by her father John (Corrine) Patten. She is survived by her mother, Judith Patten; daughter, Chantelle Gailushas; sons Shane (Tina), Jeremy, Nicholas (Marta) and Matthew Gailushas; sister, Julie Boyer (Jeff); sister, Tricia (Chris) Petek; brother, Nick (Joanna) Patten. She is survived by her grandchildren Kristina, Ethan, Keegan, Emily, Austin, Dillon and Nora. She is also survived by her niece Erynn (Matthew) Noem and their children Tavin and Tyce Noem, nephew Evan Kelly and Stephen Butz. She is also survived by her aunt Honey (Tim) Dillon, uncle Jim (Kay) Patten and uncle John (Sue) Hickson and Bert Gailushas.
A thank you goes out to Jill’s many friends that loved her and a special thank you to her closest friends.
A service celebrating Jill’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29th in the community hall at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1260 Otter Road. In lieu of flowers or donations, we ask that you take a moment to hug your child, grandchild, friend, or walk in the mountains for a moment, an hour or a day. Time waits for no one.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 29, 2019
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1260 Otter Road
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 29, 2019
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1260 Otter Road
Helena, Montana 59601
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Katie Olsen says
Jill was a wonderful person & I am so glad I was able to meet her and get to know her as my friend. I will dearly miss her with all my heart. My thought will be with her family. Love, Katie O.
Jim and Sally Russell Wilcox says
So very sad to hear of Jill’s passing. Prayers for all now and the days ahead. God bless!!
Kelly Brown says
Jill had a laugh that was contagious. In high school we were in choir together. After graduation we stayed in touch and it seems just like yesterday she was out here visiting me. I am going to really miss her. My prayers go out to her family. Heaven just gained another angel.
Jay and Shari says
Judy, Julie and Family. So sorry to hear of Jill’s passing, Thoughts and Prayers go out to the whole family.
Jo Bryson says
So sad – Jill was taken way too soon! 😥 My prayers are with her family and friends. I will always hold dear memories of our sailing vacation in the Caribbean. 💕🙏🏼 Memories are the cherished gifts we can always carry in our hearts. 😇🙏🏼💕
Kristi Bolland Hartman says
Oh Jill honey I am total shock. I will miss you greatly. I send Julie all my love and prayers for you and your family
John Poppe says
JUDY, JULIE, AND FAMILY, MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY! JILL WILL BE MISSED BY MANY! PLEASE TAKE COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT SHE IS IN A MORE GLORIOUS PLACE, OUR LORD’S KINGDOM! AND SOME DAY WE WILL ALL BE TOGETHER WITH OUR LOVED ONES, NEVER TO LOSE THEM AGAIN!
Merry Lou Casteel says
Oh Julie, my heart goes out to you and your family. Rip dear Jill, we loved you!
joyce clausen says
I HAVE KNOWN JUDY FOR YEARS. SHE AND MY SISTER GAYLE WERE GREAT FRIENDS. MY HEART IS BROKEN WITH THE PASSING OF JILL. PRAYERS TO ALL THE FAMILY.
JOYCE MILLER CLAUSEN
Mick DiFronzo says
To Bert, Chantel, and the entire family we are deeply sorry for your loss. Jill was a bundle of fun with a great personality. Very sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to you this day.
God Bless,
Mick and Pat DiFronzo
Marilyn says
Jill was very sweet
Karen and Hooter says
We are so very sorry to hear of Jill’s passing. We certainly had some great times together. Our hearts go out to each and every one of you. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you.
Sheryl says
Worked with Jill in a former job – she was a wonderful person. So sorry to hear of her passing. Prayers to her family and friends during this sad time. God Bless!
Jennifer Williams says
I had the opportunity to go on my first audit for the State of Montana with Jill. She passed along so much knowledge during that time. I am very thankful I was able to spend that week with her. She made me laugh and feel at ease. I am sad we did not get to enjoy that cupcake you kept talking about while we were in Billings. I will be sure to stop there the next time I am in town. Thank you Jill, for being such a wonderful person. You will be missed dearly. From how you talked about your family I know you will be watching over them all.
Karla Byers says
Judy and Julie I can only imagine how hard this is for all of you. You all were so very close. I have known Jill for so many years as she was one of my cousins best friends in high school. She will be missed that is for sure. Bless you all love Karla
John & Cherie Dahl says
Jill and Bert were good friends when I worked at Blue Cross and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family 🙏🙏🙏
Denise Roberts says
What a loss of a beautiful, bright star. I was privileged to work with Jill for a while and made a connection that we kept after she moved on. She was so loving and giving – always there to listen when you needed her and to give encouragement, even when she was in pain and struggling herself. She loved to do special things for people just to brighten their day, although her smile did that just by itself. She was a lovely woman, through & through. Prayers that your family will feel peace through this tough time.
Donna Coman says
Julie & family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Donna Coman
Lisa Warren says
Judy and Julie, my heart breaks for you. Jill truly was such a cheerful and enjoyable lady. Always so happy to see her. She will be sorely missed by all the lives she touched. May many beautiful memories comfort you and all her family. Lisa Warren
Larry Murphy says
We are so saddened to hear of Jill’s passing. Our condolences go out to the entire family.
So sorry we will be unable to attend the service, but our prayers will be with all of you.
Larry and Lisa Murphy
Sue Cox-Pyatt says
To Jill’s family: I was stunned when I saw Jill’s obituary this morning. I had the pleasure of working with Jill at Blue Cross Blue Shield. Although it’s been many years since I’ve seen her, I’ll always remember her love of life and family, and her great laughter. My condolences to you all.
Denice Harris says
To Jill’s family: Jill was such bright spot to anyone who crossed her path. I worked with her at AAA and always enjoyed her spunk and her infectious laugh. And, every time I saw her out and about, her hugs were always genuine and her smile came from the heart. Her passing is such a shock and a reminder to all that life is so precious. Many thoughts and prayers to all of you now and in the days ahead.
Michele Munsey says
We were blessed to have Jill as part of our AAA family. Jill knew the exact moment you needed a hug and a smile. She was a beautiful lady inside and out. My prayers are with you. May God wrap his arms around you and hold you tight during this very sad time.
Theresa Gailushas says
I am so sorry for my brother Bert and his family and Jill’s family. Jill was a real sweetheart. Whenever we talked she was so present and truly lovely. I will miss her beauty and great conversations. To all of my family and Jill’s family I offer my deepest condolences and love. God Bless Jill, Judy, Julie and my dear brother Bert.
Zane Tams says
Judy, Chantelle, Julie, Evan, Erynn, Nick, Bert, Shane, Jeremy, Nicholas, Matthew, and anyone I have missed, my heart breaks with yours. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time of sorrow. There are no words to convey what I want to say. Jill altered my life in many positive ways, we had so much fun together and so many laughs and tears. She will be missed by all those she touched with her love and compassion. May God bless and keep you engulfed with his love and peace. Know that I am there with you in spirit especially today.
Patty West says
I am so sorry for your family’s great loss.
Judy Anderson says
My thoughts and prayers for the family. Jill was a wonderful person. So sweet and thoughtful. She will truly be missed.