Jean V. Flynn Watson

Jean V. Flynn Watson

Jean V. Flynn Watson, 81 of Havre, Mont., passed away on Monday, Oct. 22, 2012, in Great Falls, Mont., from complications of arterial disease.

Jean was born at the family home in Gildford, Mont., to John A. and Ruth H. Flynn. She was proud to have been raised on the Hi-Line by a hard-working, Depression–era family of humble means. As a young woman, she ran a restaurant in Gildford in conjunction with her father's bar and gas station.

On Oct. 8, 1950, Jean married Lyle A. Watson. Lyle and Jean's challenging early days of marriage and life were often fondly remembered as they began their family on the farm north of Gildford.

While Jean's primary role was that of wife, mother and grandmother, she also worked for several years as the bookkeeper at Owl Drug in Havre and later as the receptionist for LAW Realty, her and Lyle's real estate business.

Jean's hobbies included canning, baking, gardening and crossword puzzles.

Jean's passions were bragging about her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and updating everyone she saw with their latest pictures and news. She also enjoyed volunteering for activities at First Presbyterian Church, serving as a deacon in her church, watching, supporting and following a wide variety of sporting activities, and spending time laughing and solving the world's problems with her beloved "Coffee Group" at the Lunch Box. Jean had a "lucky streak, " resulting in a "windfall" that she lovingly gave away to provide her church a gift of new carpeting.

Jean is survived by her three daughters and one son, Kathi Hanson and her husband Mark, and Kandi Maguffee and her husband Stan, all of Richland, Wash., along with Lori Evans and her husband Bob of Havre, and her son, Roger Watson, and his wife Lisa of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. She was preceded in death by husband, Lyle; her parents; and brothers, Rod, Jim, Ray and Ken.

Jean is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Jeremy Hanson, Kyle Hanson, Kevin Tweeten, Michael Connor, Trina Mullis, Mindy Herdina, Lance Watson, Jarret Watson, Shelby Watson, Ryan Evans and Ali Cornwell; 14 great-grandchildren, Zoe Tweeten, Jade Tweeten, Alexa Tweeten, Hunter Tweeten, Harrison Mullis, Lennon Herdina, Rylee Watson, Brooklyn Watson, Sealey Watson, Taylor Cornwell, Ashlynn Cornwell, River Evans, Judah Evans and Willow Evans; as well as friends too numerous to mention.

A public viewing is set for Saturday, Oct. 27, from 2 p. m. to 5 p. m., at Holland & Bonine Funeral Home. Jean's memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Havre at 11 a. m., on Monday, Oct. 29, with Pastor John Bruington officiating. Graveside services will follow. Memorials have been established to First Presbyterian Church and Hill County Community Foundation. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements and services.

We feel a sense of great loss with the passing of this loving, one-of-a kind, humorous, outspoken friend and faithful servant of her Lord Jesus Christ. May she rest in peace in his loving arms.