On a beautiful sunny morning, heaven received its newest angel! On June 3, 2021, Regina “Jean” L. Applegate was called home following a courageous battle with cancer.
Jean was born February 4, 1938 in Rawlins, Wyoming to Edward (Ned) and Garnette Cleary, the eldest of three children. Sister Sharon and brother Edward later completed the Cleary family and provided Jean the title of “big sister”, a role she always cherished.
Jean graduated from Rawlins High School in 1956. Following graduation, Jean decided to continue her education at Carroll College in Helena. A short time later, she postponed college and pursued a working career at Associated Foods. Little did she know that this decision would lead to meeting the love of her life, Clarence. She often stated that she wasn’t fond of him when they first met, but that his persistence and witty sense of humor eventually won her over. They were married on October 29, 1959 in Rawlins, Wyoming. Son Rod was born in 1960 and Daughter Sharon was born in 1964, completing their family. Jean and Clarence celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2019, shortly before Clarence’s passing on June 1, 2020.
Life on a Montana farm wasn’t always easy. Learning to cook on a wood stove, haul wood to heat the family home, raise chickens, gather eggs, tend to a garden and help irrigate and harvest hay was definitely not what a city girl was used to doing. But in typical “Jean style” she conquered these challenges with strength and a positive attitude, and quickly grew to love the beauty of the “Ranch”.
Family came first for Mom, choosing to stay at home and raise her family. Mom encouraged us to enjoy life and to have an imagination. Whether we were “re-arranging” her canned goods in the pantry pretending we had a grocery store, or taking blankets and pillows and turning the furniture in the “front room” into an imaginary fort, Mom never said a word, but would smile and often join in.
Mom later worked at Martin’s IGA and the State of Montana in both the Department of Revenue and Department of Transportation before retiring. Even in “retirement”, she continued to do part-time work at Student Assistance Foundation and Rocky Mountain Development Council before finally retiring for good.
Mom had a passion for bowling and spent over 50 years in the bowling community. Starting out with bowling on the Women on Wednesday “W.O.W.” league, she took on the duties of league secretary in nearly every league she bowled on. She also spent many years as a Director of the Helena Women’s Bowling Association (HWBA) and later with the Helena USBC. Many of Mom’s long-time friends were made through bowling and those are friendships she truly cherished. Receiving the Montana Bowling Family of the Year award in 2019 was one of her proudest moments.
Throughout Mom’s lifetime, she was proud to have held many titles. She was a Wife, Mother, Daughter, Big Sister, Daughter-in-Law, Sister-in-Law, Aunt, Niece and friend. But the most cherished title she had was “Gramma Jean”. There was never a time that there wasn’t a grandkid favorite treat at the house, whether it was a can of mandarin oranges, ground bologna or a tuna sandwich. You might even find her leading an imaginary marching band, playing kitchen broom hockey or singing the J-E-L-L-O song with one of the grandkids.
Throughout her life, Mom always put others needs ahead of her own. She had a talent for making everyone feel special and always saw the good in everyone. Wherever she went, and whomever she met, she always made a friend. While she was generally reserved in nature, just give her a microphone and she would have the room smiling and laughing in no time.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband Clarence, parents Edward (Ned) and Garnette Cleary (Pryce), her mother-in-law and father-in-law Marie and Crawford Applegate, brother-in-law Jerome Groh, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Margaret and Mel King, Relpha and John Gilreath, Cora and Robert VanDyke, Richard and Georgia Applegate, Niece Nora King Wriston, Nephew Melvin King, Jr. and Grandson Aaron Eslick.
Jean is survived by her children, Rod Applegate and Sharon Eslick (Gordon); sister, Sharon Groh; brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Janice Cleary; sister-in-law, Joan Sieler and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Nan and Joe Tillo. She is also survived by grandchildren, Katie Eslick, Jordan Paull (Ry), Amanda Eslick (Jason Smith), great-grandchildren Payton Saccheri, Emerson and Kamden Jean Paull, Hannah Smith, and Tanyan and Ari Eslick. She will also be missed by “adopted son”, K.C. Hill (yes, he has a certificate) and numerous nieces and nephews. We will all miss you, Aunt Jean!
The family wishes to thank Drs. Weiner, Paustian and Strekall for their care during the past several years. A special thanks to the kind and dedicated staff at The Legacy Assisted Living who provided love and care to Mom in her final days. “Go be with the Angels, my sweet Jean”!
A Public Visitation will be held this Thursday, June 10, from 4-7pm at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave. The Funeral Service will be held the following day, Friday, June 11, at the same location starting at Noon, followed by a Reception in the Social Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend. Following the Reception, there will be a procession from the funeral home, passing by the family ranch on Applegate, to Sunset Memorial Gardens for burial.
No covid restrictions are in place, but feel free to take whatever precautions you feel necessary. The service will also be broadcasted live below.
The Funeral Service begins at Noon, but the Live Broadcast will open at 11:45a.m.
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Thursday June 10, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N MONTANA AVE
Helena, MT 59602
Funeral Service
Noon to 1:00pm
Friday June 11, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N MONTANA AVE
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
1:00pm to 2:00pm
Friday June 11, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N MONTANA AVE
Helena, MT 59602
Graveside Service
2:30pm
Friday June 11, 2021
Sunset Memorial Gardens
7100 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Thursday June 10, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N MONTANA AVE
Helena, MT 59602
Funeral Service
Noon to 1:00pm
Friday June 11, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N MONTANA AVE
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
1:00pm to 2:00pm
Friday June 11, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N MONTANA AVE
Helena, MT 59602
Graveside Service
2:30pm
Friday June 11, 2021
Sunset Memorial Gardens
7100 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Dudley williams says
Condolences to Sharon,Gord and all the relatives. Sorry to hear of her passing. She And Clarence were just good people,RIP Jean.
Kathy Royston says
Dear Sharon & Rod,
So sorry to find out about your mom. I spent so many wonderful years enjoying you all during the bowling season. Please know Tim & I share in your sorrow.
Marvin and Dianne Page says
Sorry to hear of Jean’s passing. We have great memories of times together at bowling. She was a great lady and will be missed by many.
Tuesday says
I’m so sorry for your loss, I remember taking care of Clarence and Jeanie being in everyday to be with him. They can now be together In heaven <3
Debbie L Morrison says
Dear Rod and Sharon and family:
So sorry to learn of your mom’s passing. I have so many wonderful bowling memories especially of those when she, my mom and I were on the women’s bowling board. Oh what fun we had putting together those team gift bags! My mom and Jean were two of a kind! I’m sure those two are up to no good in heaven. My love to all of you.
Debbie Morrison
Mary Sark says
Our deepest condolences for the whole Applegate family. Jean was a wonnderful person. Loved bowling with her.
Greg Paull says
Sharon, Gordon, Ry, Jordan and Katie, I am so sorry for your loss, Gramma Jean was the nicest and sweetest lady I’ve had the pleasure to meet in a long time! Linda and I have you all in our thoughts and prayers. Love you all.
Jeff Beck says
To Rod, Sharon and the rest of the Applegate family, I am so sorry to hear of Jean’s passing. She was a wonderful lady and I always enjoyed my conversations with her at the bowling center. May you find strength during this difficult time.
Cindy Platts says
Sharon, Rod, and family. So sorry to hear of Jean’s passing. She was a wonderful caring person. I really enjoyed her and Clarence’s sense of humor, they always made me smile. We have truly lost a gem. God bless
Jill Bentzen Henry says
Rod, Sharon and family,
I remember Jean with so much fondness, she was always one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. I greatly enjoyed the years of bowling with you all and she will truly be missed as Clarence is also. Much love and many prayers to you all 💜
K.C. Hill says
Rod, Sharon, and all the Applegate and Cleary family,
Jean always made me feel special and like I was part of the family—it’s one of her best attributes that I’m sure was felt by many. Wishing you all strength at this difficult time.
Mat Rude says
Rod, Sharon and family
Jean was a wonderful person in so many ways. She always had a smile even when I would see her at the CTC. Toilet paper for Christmas is awesome. The bowling family lost a great one as did others. I probably won’t make the services as I am going through additional treatments but know you are in my thoughts.
Mat
connie songer says
Rod, Sharon and families:
We are so sorry for your loss. We always had a blast with your parents when we were on bowling leagues and your dad always gave me a bad time. Your mom would just laugh!! Our hearts go out to you and we are thinking of you during this difficult time..
Pat and Connie Songer
Michael Glueckert says
Jean was a great and kind neighbor. Sincere condolences to the family. So sorry! Rest in peace jean thank Yu for your kindness and friendship!
Florence H Shaw says
Rod, Sharon and family
So sorry to hear of Jean’s passing. I knew Clarence and Jean for many years and they brought smiles and joy with every meeting.
RIP Jean and you are now reunited with Clarence.
Rogelio Moreno says
Rod sharon and family so sorry to hear of Jean’s passing she was a very nice lady treated me with respec even when I come behind her tap her on the shoulder and walk away my Sincere confidence ann prayers she will be missed by so many friends RIP Jean
Wanda & Steve Arlint says
Rod, we are very sorry for your loss. We both met your mom and she was a really sweet lady. She was always smiling.
Marcella Walter says
Rod and Sharon and families,
I’ve been thinking of you so much this week. And of Jean and Clarence. I ended up writing an essay in which they are featured and it is here: https://stilllearninghowtofly.com/guardians/?fbclid=IwAR0WirBsQ5Mv5XXWMaA1CHoRW7DSkTA0-6zH00sfQF6rBXr4uz0hzPjwk20
I will see you tomorrow.
Diane Tordale says
So sorry to hear about Jean’s passing. I worked with both Jean and Clarence and they will both be missed. They were both great folks and I really enjoyed working with them and knowing them. My sincere condolences to you.
Troy Gustovich says
Heartfelt thoughts go out to you all in this time of sorrow. She was a special person. Jean will be gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. Condolences to everyone.
Ed Kinsey says
I have known Jean and Clarance since i was a child . Miss them both.Will miss Jean always telling me not to worry about her and her smiles. She was truley a bleesing living next door.
Sally and Cam says
Rod, Sharon & Family, your memorial service for your beloved Mom, Grandmother, Great Grand Mother, Big Sister,
Daughter, Wife, Daughter-in-Law, Sister-in-Law, Aunt, Niece and Friend to so many people in her lifetime was well done indeed! Very beautiful! May your memories comfort you and bring you peace.
Jim and Peg Stipcich says
Sharon, Rod and family. Very sorry to learn of the passing of your Mom. She was a super lady as you know and made you all better in your lives. During this sad time, may your hearts be full of the joy she brought to each of you.
Kathy Hettrick says
Dear Sharon, Rod, & family,
My prayers of love & sympathy are with all of you as you grieve for your dear mom.
She & you dear dad welcomed us when we came to visit many years ago; we had so much fun with them, playing cards & visiting. Of course they had our dog come in the house while their cat unhappily stayed outside!
My dear husband John is having a great time with them in Heaven!