Jean Hurly White, formerly of Glasgow, passed away on January 13, 2012 at home in Helena. Born September 13, 1915, she lived every minute of her 96 years.
The second of five children of Judge John Hurly and Jeannette Hurly of Glasgow, Jean grew up a tennis athlete and academic standout. In 1937, Jean graduated from Montana State University in Bozeman, with degrees in History and Business.
She married Gordon White on Christmas Day in 1938. After living briefly in Denver, they moved to Missoula while Gordon completed law school; then they returned to Glasgow to live and to rear their five children.
Possessing a lifelong abundance of energy, Jean White was a mother, reader, diarist, wardrobe sewer, knitter and thrower of pottery; she built the huge fieldstone fireplace she’d always wanted. Later, she opened a fabric shop in Glasgow and a knitting shop in her home, and worked as a secretary in an insurance agency.
Jean and Gordon moved to Helena in 1989. When Gordon died in 2001, they had been married 63 years. Jean made many wonderful friends doing aqua aerobics at the Helena “Y”. In 2002, Jean wrote and published her memoir,”Remembering”, a personal and family history.
Her survivors include her children, Mary Scott of Whitefish, Susan Thomas of San Diego, Janie Petaja of Helena, Gordon White of Hamilton, and Kurt White of Helena, and their spouses; her brother, Robert Hurly of Glasgow, and sister, Mary Jo Fox of Kalispell; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 12 nieces and nephews; and her very dear friends, the ladies of the “Y”.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother John Hurly, and sister Marjorie Elfers.
A memorial service is scheduled at 2 p.m., Friday, June 22, 2012 at the Life Covenant Church, 800 N. Hoback, Helena. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall of the church following the service. Memorials are suggested to her favorite charities, Helena Food Share, P.O. Box 943, Helena, MT 59624; Intermountain Home, 500 S. Lamborn St., Helena, MT 59601; or the St. LaBre Indian School, 1000 Tongue River Road, Ashland, MT 59003. To offer condolences or share a memory of Jean, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com
Jean Fox says
Aunt Jean will be missed by many. Mom will miss her marathon phone calls each saturday. Aunt Jean is now in Heaven with the rest of the family waiting for us to join. We love you Aunt Jean
Aunt Mary Jo, Jean and Mark
John Petaja says
Love you gramma. You raised us right! I’ll miss your high spirited enthusiasm, but I think you had so much to give, it must have rubbed off on me.
Loves.
Liz Hahn says
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts.
Kevin and Candida Quinn says
We were sorry to learn of Jean’s passing. We always admired how active she was and how devoted her family was to visiting and to helping her stay in her own home as long as possible. Much sympathy.
Cathy Dyrdahl York says
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always carry wonderful memories of this Hi-LINE gal. Jean was truly remarkable, fun and funny, truly, an inspiration for aging with candor and good grace. With my love, Cathy.
David Petaja says
I miss you dearly even now Grandma. I love you so and treasure the memories I have of you and Grandpa and all the poppies and rosies anlong the way.