Jacqueline Lee Bottomley, age 88, of Townsend

Jacqueline Lee Bottomley, age 88, of Townsend

October 3, 1932 – August 4, 2021

With great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved Jacqueline Lee Bottomley. Jacque passed away peacefully from natural causes on August 4, 2021 at Silver Springs Assisted Living.

Jacque was born on October 3, 1932 in Belvidere, South Dakota to parents Nellie and Ileff Myers. They moved to the Zumac Ranch in Aladdin, Wyoming in 1934 where she admired the work her parents put into the 500+ acre ranch. She and her sisters rode a horse named Goldie 3 miles to get to elementary school every single day!

Jacque met Elroy Backer and they were married in Lawrence, South Dakota on June 17, 1949 at the ages of 16 and 19. They eventually moved to Seattle, Washington in 1953 and raised their four children until they moved to Sumner, Washington in 1966. They unfortunately parted ways in 1976 but it wasn’t long after that Jacque found the love of her life while he was teaching ballroom dancing. On January 29, 1977, she married Robert Bottomley. They eventually moved to East Helena, Montana and then on to Townsend where they spent the rest of their days until Robert’s own passing.

Jacque worked many office/clerical jobs in her time before retirement. Working for places like Boeing, General Hardwoods, etc. but she found the most joy in her work with the church.

Jacque was very stubborn and not willing to give up. She fought to help Robert while he was being treated for chronic leukemia for over ten years. Then Jacque fought her own battle with lymphoma cancer in her early 80s. Unfortunately it wasn’t long after she had won the battle with cancer that her dementia started. She was very stubborn when it came to accepting the fact that she couldn’t remember everything and that she wasn’t independent enough to live alone.

Jacque was a long-standing member of the Alliance Bible Church in Townsend. She was devoted to the Lord and followed him faithfully. Jacque could always be found at church!

As a willing volunteer, she served her church family with loyalty and consistently with love. Over the years she filled the position of deaconess for several terms, leading the women’s ministry and organizing social events. She taught women’s bible studies and was passionate about sharing the Word of God with those who attended. She was a strong supporter of Awana and its potential to shape children’s lives. For three years, she served as a part of the Alliance Bible Church’s Awana leadership team, maintaining accurate record-keeping and inventory, and fulfilling other administrative-type duties for the club.

She was always available to help wherever she was needed. She was deeply loved by her brothers and sisters in Christ.

Jacque was an excellent cook and church potlucks were always more delicious because of her mouthwatering entrees.

Jacque’s quilting hobby gave her hours of great enjoyment over the years.  She was a meticulous quilter and she created many lovely heirlooms for her family.

Tending her flowers was also a favorite pastime for her in the summers.  Her yard had great curb appeal because of her green thumb.

Jacque will be missed by her family, church family, and so many dear friends until we join her with our Heavenly Father.

She is survived by her children Bruce, Trilby (Doug), Michelle (step-daughter with Robert whom she loved as if she were her own),  11 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husbands, Elroy and Robert, sons Keith and Terrill, sisters Geraldine, Phyllis and Nedra, and parents Nellie and Ileff.

A Memorial and Reception to celebrate Jacque’s life will be held at Alliance Bible Church, 110 E St, Townsend, MT on September 3rd, 2021 from 11 to 1PM. A burial, to join her beloved Robert, will follow the reception at 3PM at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison in Helena, MT. Memorials in Jacque’s name may be made to the Alliance Bible Church.

Service Schedule

Memorial Service

11:00 a.m. to Noon

Friday September 3, 2021

Alliance Bible Church

110 E St

Townsend, MT 59644

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Reception

Noon to 1pm

Friday September 3, 2021

Alliance Bible Church

110 E St

Townsend, MT - Montana

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Graveside Service

3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Friday September 3, 2021

Montana State Veteran Cemetery

1900 Williams St

Helena, MT

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