On November 12, 2017 Jill Mary Lyndes Farnam was called home to the lord at the age of 77.
Jill was born on April 15, 1940 to Jay and Katie Lyndes in Helena. She was the third of five children: Sister Catherine who passed away at birth, and brothers John Lyndes, Jeff Lyndes and Jay “Baba” Lyndes.
Jill married her high school sweetheart, Fred Farnam, in May of 1965. They celebrated 52 years of marriage this year! Together they adopted two children, Janae and John and had two children, Dan and Ann. Her family of six is something she was most proud of. It was a rambunctious family, always on the move. From 4H, sports, skiing, sewing or cooking, there was always something, or many somethings that her kids were involved in.
Jill and Fred made their home on her family’s ranch on Lincoln Road in the Helena Valley. Sunday dinner at Jill’s for the entire extended family was the norm. She loved being surrounded with family. A point of particular pride were her nine grandchildren. Janae and Bruce Ruckman’s three girls, Jayelyn, Kylee and Claire; Dan and Lyndi’s three children, Randall, Alden and Park; and Ann and Justin Pearson’s three children, Tori, Monte and Tasha. John and Paul Heitzenrater provided joy to Jill through their three grand puppies, Sammy, Cuveé and Ping Pong!
Jill attended Montana State University in Bozeman, MT where she earned her BS in Nursing. Jill started her career in nursing in Great Falls where she worked for a local surgeon. Jill worked at Shodair Children’s Hospital, before she went on to begin her career working in the operating room at St. John’s. She then went to work at St. Peter’s in Helena as an OR Nurse. She went on to become the Head of the Operating Room. She retired from St. Peter’s for the first time in 1998, only to return after she realized she wasn’t ready to be retired. Her final retirement from her career came in 2001. Throughout her career, Jill made many friends. Those friendships continued through her entire life and brought her great joy!
Jill is preceded in death by her parents, Catherine Chevallier Lyndes (1975) and Jay Lyndes (1999); sister, Catherine (1937). She is survived by her husband, Fred; her four children and their families; her three brothers along with their families, as well as numerous cousins and family friends.
The family invites you to a celebration of Jill’s life at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, December 2nd at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Jill’s interment will be at a later date at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison. Memorials in Jill’s name may be made to Lewis & Clark County 4-H Foundation, 100 W Custer, Helena, MT 59602 or Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1502 Shirley Road, Helena, MT 59602. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jill.
Service Schedule
Funeral Liturgy
12:00 p.m.
Saturday December 2, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Liturgy
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N, Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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wayne kovick says
jill made the world a better place. my thoughts and prayers are with the lyndes family.
Kerry Crowley says
Jill will be tremendously missed.A hug to all that held her in their heart.
Mary Ellen Schnur says
I worked with Jill at Shodair a long time ago–1969 and 1970. She was a good nursing mentor to me, and I enjoyed her so much. She had such a positive outlook, and could find humor just when a person needed it.
Kayel Jones says
My thoughts and prayers are with all those touched by Jill…her passing leaves an emptiness in many hearts. I treasure the memories I have, one of my favorite was camping up Copper Creek and having her curl our hair using Bobby pins, after all it was important to look beautiful while camping with the boys around. Sending my love and hugs!
Pat Russell says
We will always cherish Jill’s zest for life, great sense of humor and memories camping up at the Little Blackfoot.
Kate Holiday says
When I first moved to Montana I spent an August in Helena and Kim and I would ride the range with Jill and Fred in their pickup. Jill was so warm and welcoming and she and Fred so filled with joy and fun. I will always remember her generosity and her laughter and her love of her family.
AnnieB says
Deepest condolence to the family and friends during the most challenging time. There are no words that can ease the pain of losing some so beloved. May you find peace and comfort in know that your loved one is in God’s memory. (Job 14:14, 15)
Roxane White says
Jill raised wonderful children. I have the honor of knowing John and having heard about her from him. The legacy of a life is the next generation and what an amazing, kind, engaged legacy she left.
Debbie Boyle says
My mom, Betty Lieberg, shared many fond memories with Jill at Shodair Hospital. She truly cherished their friendship. One of my favorite memories was riding a horse for the first time at Jill’s house. Too bad America’s Funniest Vidoes wasn’t airing, she and Fred could have been millionaires. God bless Jill and her beautiful family.
allen stenhjem0 says
Lyndes family.
Jill will. Be missed. By all that crossed. her path God Bless.,,,,,,,,,,,,
Michelle Hanpa Lingenfelter says
Dan & Ann- I’m sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom. I know how much family means to you & enjoyed spending time with some of your family at softball games. God bless
Doug and Lynn Moon says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Farnam family. We can remember many happy times at various sporting events through out the years. May you be blessed with wonderful memories. Doug and Lynn Moon
Tom Juhl says
Fred and the Lydes Family so sorry to hear of the passing of Jill my prayers ar with you…….
Rick and Jan O'Connell says
The world is just a little sadder without Jill’s laugh. She enjoyed life and made sure everyone around her did too. We’ll miss you my friend.
Rick and Jan
Lorraine Bayles says
Fred & family…….I am so sorry to hear of Jill’s passing. I always enjoyed seeing you both when you were over our way. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ann Heller Haverlandt says
Thinking of you everyday my sweet best friend forever!