Jill Maureen Shea (Nugent)
March 21, 1959 – October 8, 2025
Jill Maureen Shea (Nugent), a loving partner, mother, nana, and sister, passed away on October 8, 2025, at the age of 66. Born on March 21, 1959, in Butte, Montana, Jill was the daughter of the late Robert and Elsie Nugent.
A proud Montanan, Jill graduated from Butte Central Catholic School in 1977 and went on to dedicate thirty years of service to the State of Montana before enjoying a well-deserved retirement. Her work ethic, kindness, and loyalty left a lasting impression on everyone she worked with.
In June of 1979, Jill brought her one and only child into the world, Amy, whom she loved and adored. Later, Amy would give Jill three grandsons, Kaden, Karson, and Braxton, who filled her heart with so much love and pride. Jill loved to brag about all of their many accomplishments, celebrating every milestone.
Jill lived to the fullest—always centering her days on family, friendship, and laughter. She loved being part of her bowling league and enjoyed playing golf with friends, where her humor and competitive spirit always shone through. More than anything, Jill had a gift for making people feel welcome and loved. She stayed close with many of her childhood friends throughout her life, treasuring those lifelong connections that brought her so much joy.
Jill’s time spent with her partner of more than forty years, Don Bentson, brought her more happiness. Together they created countless memories through their travels and adventures. Jill always by his side, cheering Don on as his biggest fan in both sports and life. Her joyful spirit, sense of humor, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Jill is survived by her partner, Don Bentson; her beloved daughter, Amy Shea; and her cherished grandsons, Kaden Johnson (Rheyse) and Karson Shea. She also leaves behind Don’s children, Troy Bentson of Bozeman, Eric Bentson of Louisiana, and Mark Bentson (Kari) of Billings, along with Don’s grandchildren. Jill is also survived by her brothers, Jeff Nugent (Marcy) and Danny Nugent. Along with numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Elsie Nugent; her grandson, Braxton Edmonds; and her siblings, Jackie Freeman, Tommy, Dale, Timmy, Scott and Jan Nugent.
A service to honor Jill’s life will be held on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home. Family and friends are warmly invited to join in celebrating the beautiful life of a woman whose love, laughter, and light will never be forgotten.
A graveside service and committal rites of the church will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 28, 2025, On her mother’s grave at Holy Cross Cemetery in Butte.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Sunday October 26, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediatley following her Celebration of Life
Sunday October 26, 2025
Social Center of the Funeral Home
,
Burial
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday October 28, 2025
Holy Cross Cemetery
On Her Mother's Grave
Butte, Montana
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Sunday October 26, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediatley following her Celebration of Life
Sunday October 26, 2025
Social Center of the Funeral Home
,
Burial
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday October 28, 2025
Holy Cross Cemetery
On Her Mother's Grave
Butte, Montana
Share
Jim and Sal bob says
I am sure gonna miss you my friend. RIP Jill
Pat Jorgensen says
Bless your family at this time of such a great loss. May God hold you in the palm of his hands. Our visits were always short when you came to your family home. You people were such great Neighbors will miss you
sherryl Vaughn says
Oh Jill Bob! My heart wii hurt forever! You were so loved by so many!! Take care of my Duck and all of your wonderful family and friends up there! I’ll miss you my dear friend!
Jackie Lloyd says
Donnie,
I’m so sorry to hear this. RIP Jill
Prayers to the family.
Matt & Mary Kunnary says
Don & family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Jill will be greatly missed, but now God has her in his arms.
Kunnarys
Marilou Cashell-Hart says
Shea and Nugetn Families,
I am so sorry to hear of Jill’s passing. Forever in our thoughts and prayers.
Sue says
Don, Amy, Jeff – I am so sorry you have to go thru this unbearable loss. Jill was genuine. She was a wonderful, hilarious, kind, generous, and truly loving human being. My funnest memories are times I spent with Jill. I can’t even begin to count the laughs; our trip to Albuquerque, Sante Fe especially. So many days filled with laughter … and sometimes sadness. We went thru SO much together and I am grateful we were able to re-connect and reminisce recently while spending an afternoon at the lake this summer. I will see you again Jill. ❤️
Paul Martello says
Don’, just heard of Jill’s passing. I’m sorry for your loss, she will be missed by all who knew her. My thoughts and prayers are with you🙏🙏🙏🙏
Denise Backstrom says
Don , Am & family. I’m so sorry to hear of Jill’s passing.
always remember the Happy times.
JANICE CLARK MUNIZ says
My love & Prayers to the Shea, Nugent and Vukovich Families. May her memories hold dear in your heart. Jill was such a wonderful lady who loved her family fiercely. Fly high Jill, you will be missed.
Janice Clark Muniz
Kathy Crawford says
Don , Karson, Nicole.
So very sorry to hear of Jill’s passing, my prayers and thoughts are with you and your families.
Julie says
Taken way too soon. My heart goes out to you Don, Amy and family. We had lots of fun years ago and Jill will leave a monster hole in the hearts of all who knew her. ❤️🩹 Jill loved life and it showed.
Peter and Kim Bentson says
I am so grateful to have known Jill. She was always fun to be around. We got to visit with her and Don a couple of summers ago and I will always remember floating the Clark Fork River in Missoula with them and the laughs and fun we shared. Forever in our hearts and precious memories.
Steve and Jeri Mosby says
Donny just found out about Jill’s passing she was one of the best. She was always a class act she will be missed by all that knew her. And I know she will be missed most by you may she RIP and you stay strong my friend. The Helena Mosby’s….
Cathy Hellwitz says
I didn’t realize Jill had passed. I just saw her last month at the Hub and we had not seen each other in ages.. I used to work with her at Dept of Revenue, many years ago. I will miss her huge smile and personality and I am sooo very sorry for your loss. May the Lord comfort you in this time of great sorrow and loss. Jill, until we meet again, my friend, fly high with the Angels!! You will be greatly missed!!!