Johanna, “Hanna” Ludwig Henderson passed away October 3, 2018 after courageously fighting multiple myeloma cancer for over 5 years. She was born Johanna Ludwig to parents Franz and Maria (Obst) Ludwig on May 5, 1939 in the small town of Durr Arndorf Germany. Hanna had one older sister, Gertrude. During WWII, their mother passed away when the girls were only 6 and 8. In 1956, Hanna and Gertrude decided to come to America, destination Helena, Montana, where a few of their Great Aunts and families lived. They were sponsored by Dr. Norman “Jeff” and Mrs. Joan Holter, to work as nannies for their young children. Hanna enjoyed being a nanny alongside her sister but when she turned 18 took on a career as a nurse’s aide and ultimately, care giver to many through the years, beginning at St. Pete’s. Hanna was working her shift at St Pete’s and eventually cared for a patient who had been seriously injured at the Helena Stampede in 1961. This charming young man was James “Jim” Henderson. They enjoyed each other’s company and after his release they continued along the path into a long term relationship. On March 31st, 1962, Jim and Hanna were married at
St Paul’s Methodist Church by Reverend George Harper being life time members of the church and forever best friends in their marriage of 56 years. Hanna graciously accepted her role as step mom to Jim’s children, Tom, Carol, Marilyn and Cindy.
Hanna’s kindness, compassion and attention to details have always been beyond measure. She also served up many delicious meals as a waitress, while in Anaconda and Opportunity working at famous spots such as Barclays, the Park Café & Gil’s.
They loved traveling together, visiting family in Germany, taking a few cruises and travel to Hawaii as well.
She never met an animal or bird she didn’t like. She saved food items to make sure those little sweethearts were fed and stayed healthy.
Preceding Hanna in death were her parents, sister, stepmom Gertrude Ludwig and granddaughter, Sheila Henderson.
Survivors include her husband Jim, 4 children, Tom (Ronna) Henderson, Carol (Gary) Reed, Marilyn (Dave) Bos and Cindy (Rick) Lindenberg all of Bozeman; 9 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren. There are also numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to thank Dr. Weiner and all of the wonderful Oncology nurses both in the cancer center and hospital as well as St. Peters Hospice Staff. A very special thank you goes out to Bee Hive Homes #13 staff for their warm care and support during her stay.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Peters Health Hospice or to an animal support group of your choice. Cremation has taken place and a service will be held at a later date, per her wishes. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Hanna.
jodi n Ed says
We have so enjoyed knowing Hanna and Jim through the years. Hastings family next door is our fortunate connection. Both Jim and Hanna have always been so welcoming and interested to hear of our lives. Hanna was indeed a very kind soul. We are sorry for your loss.
jodi Hastings and Ed Morgan
Diane and Ed Hastings says
There is a huge void in our lives not having our neighbor Hanna next door. We enjoyed the many hours we spent talking over the fence line and remember Jim trying to get you to come inside when he thought we were talking too much! 😊
You and Jim have been like grandparents to our kids as they were growing up over the past 21 years. You always gave them birthday cards and extra special treats just for them at Halloween.
You had a great fondness towards our two dogs Freckles and Ebony. When we were gone there were many times our dogs became your dogs as you brought them to your house to play.
We will always cherish the times when we would drive you to visit Jim. We would talk for a long time in the car catching up on the happenings with our families and then realize we hadn’t gone in and saw Jim yet. We laughed about this a lot and then we would go in and spend another hour or so visiting Jim.
Thank you for being an inspiration to us all and having your fighting spirit. We are glad you were apart of our lives and our friend.
Love and miss you Hanna!!!
Di and Ed Hastings
Jen says
My deepest condolences to the family of Mrs. Johanna Henderson. I hope you can find comfort in God’s promises for the future that He will end all sickness and death and he will resurrect those who have fallen asleep in death. “He will swallow up death forever, and the sovereign lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces.” – Isaiah 25: 8. May the hope of once again give you the strength that you need during this difficult time.
Jacqui says
I will forever be blessed for the time I had to get to know Hanna. She made my nights so much brighter and my soul forever happy. Thinking of her will forever make me smile.
Until we meet again sweetie, may you smile down upon us and be at peace in Gods Kingdom.
Kristina/Harry says
My deepest condolences to the family. Hanna is an amazing person with a true heart of gold. I will cherish the many dinners we shared, decorating for the holiday’s and laughing at all the silly things life can at times hand out. Hanna’s commitment to those she loved was truly inspirational..Thoughts and prayers to Jim and his family.
Romans 8:28
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[a] for those who are called according to his purpose.
Roberta Sue Threet says
I met Hanna many years ago. Her warm heart quickly put her in the top tunning as one of my favorite patients. However; our relationship went beyond nurse/patient. I loved this sweet woman like I would my own family. I was blessed to call her friend
My condolences go out to her family. She often spoke if you, and loved you greatly. She will be missed
Carol Moen says
Hey Cousin, I called Thursday morning to talk to you and tell you we would stop by on our journey south in a couple weeks, but I was a few hours too late. You were always so upbeat and happy and I really enjoyed our time together. We had fun at the cabin and in Whitefish in summer when we were teenagers. I’ll miss you.
Joanie Werner Mathis says
I am sorry to hear that you have lost Hanna, but what a gain for heaven! And to know that she is pain-free!
Thank you for the years that you helped care for her and your dad. I was their banker at Mountain West Bank and Stockman. Bank.
I loved your mom
And her sweet gentle spirit. I never saw her complain even tho she must have lived with a lot of pain.
She was so faithful to your dad in the nursing home.
I pray peace for your family.Joanie
rose pachl says
Will always remember our visits in the back yard & watching Hannah feed the deer that she so loved. Will miss her great attitude even as she suffered so much. Will miss her & know she is with all the angels in Heaven
Sharon Holmquist Peterson says
Dear Jim and Family,
So sorry to hear of Hanna’s passing. She was a very remarkable woman and I loved working with her at St. Peter’s Hospital on the Convalescent floor. She was one of my best aides. She loved her job and did it very well. She also was a great person. Know you will miss her terribly. My thoughts and prayers are with you.