On a beautiful warm afternoon, September 30th, amidst the display of Fall colors and a sky full of billowing white clouds, Jean Marie (Berg) Ellison (96) slipped peacefully from her life here on earth to join her many family members and friends in their heavenly home. Jean had been a resident at the Spring Creek Inn Community in Bozeman for the past month. She was surrounded by family members and Spring Creek staff members keeping a vigil over her this past week. Jean was a long-time resident of White Sulphur Springs, MT
Jean was the first born child to Helmar J. and Josephine (Haugan) Berg on November 8, 1919, in the small community of Martinsdale, MT. A few years later, two siblings joined her – Dorothy and Harry. A foster sister Lillian Kyppen was also part of the Haugan/Berg family throughout the years. Jean attended her first four grades of elementary school in Martinsdale before the family moved into White Sulphur Springs in 1928. Her father owned and operated the Berg Garage/General Motors dealership. Jean graduated as Valedictorian of her high school class in 1937.
Jean proceeded on to Northfield, MN, to attend St. Olaf College. While there, Jean was a member of the renowned St. Olaf Choir under the director, composer and musician – F. Melius Christiansen. She graduated in 1941 with a degree in English and Music. That same year, Jean along with three other ladies including her mother, Josie, sang in a quartette from Montana. Their quartette won first place honors at the National Convention of the American Legion and Auxiliary in Milwaukee, WI.
Following graduation from St. Olaf, Jean went to teach music for three years at the high school in Amery, Wisconsin, before going to Big Timber, MT, where she taught high school band & chorus. While Jean was teaching in Big Timber, she met William (Bill) Ellison, and they were married on October 17, 1947. In 1950, Jean and Bill moved to White Sulphur Springs. Four children were born to Jean and Bill during those early years – Becky, Rick, and twins Kristin and Kathryn.
Music has been the “core” of Jean for her entire life. She began taking piano lessons at the age of 5 years old. At a young age, she was teaching piano which became a major part of her life for over 80 years. She also played the piano and organ for church services, funeral services, weddings and other community festivities. She was 92 years old when she retired from playing the organ at the Lutheran/ presbyterian Yoked Parish in White Sulphur.
Jean was Meagher County Superintendent of Schools for nearly 25 years. During that time, she was state president for the state of Montana County Superintendents. Jean was a member of the American Lutheran Church (Yoked Parish), WELCA, American Legion Auxiliary, and Hobby Club. She was an active volunteer in many ways throughout her life.
A couple of the highlights in Jean’s travels were visiting her family’s native country of Norway in 1989 with her daughter Becky Johnston and granddaughters Libby and Mari. She was able to accompany her son Rick to her 70th Class Reunion in 2011 at St. Olaf College.
Preceding Jean in death were her parents Helmar and Josie Berg, sister Dorothy (Bill) Fallis, brother Harry, foster sister Lillian Roe Richardson, daughter Kathryn (Bridges), son-in-law Don Johnston, and former husband Bill Ellison. Surviving Jean are her children Becky Johnston, Rick (Connie Mangas), and Kris (Howie) Nydam, six grandchildren – Brett (Stacey) Ellison, Erica (Dustin) Strayer, Libby, (Ty Wells), Mari (Tyler) Hamm, Randi Nydam, Alysha Bridges, seven great granddaughters, and several close extended family members.
Viewing will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 6th and Friday, October 7th at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 103 E. Garfield Street, White Sulphur Springs. A service celebrating Jean’s life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 5th at The Yoked Parish of First Presbyterian and American Lutheran Churches, 411 E. Jefferson Street in White Sulphur Springs. A reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall of the church. A private family graveside service will be held at the Mayn Cemetery at a later time. Memorial donations may be made to the Lutheran/Presbyterian Yoked Parish, Meagher County Library Foundation, the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lennep, MT, or to a charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Viewing
10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday October 6, 2016
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
103 E. Garfield
White Sulphur Springs , Montana 59645
Viewing
10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday October 7, 2016
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
103 E. Garfield
White Sulphur Springs , Montana 59645
Celebration of Her Life
11:30 a.m.
Saturday November 5, 2016
The Yoked Parish of First Presbyterian and American Lutheran Churches
411 E. Jefferson Street
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Reception
Following the Service
Saturday November 5, 2016
The Yoked Parish of First Presbyterian and American Lutheran Churches
411 E. Jefferson Street
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Service Schedule
Viewing
10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday October 6, 2016
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
103 E. Garfield
White Sulphur Springs , Montana 59645
Viewing
10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday October 7, 2016
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
103 E. Garfield
White Sulphur Springs , Montana 59645
Celebration of Her Life
11:30 a.m.
Saturday November 5, 2016
The Yoked Parish of First Presbyterian and American Lutheran Churches
411 E. Jefferson Street
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Reception
Following the Service
Saturday November 5, 2016
The Yoked Parish of First Presbyterian and American Lutheran Churches
411 E. Jefferson Street
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Share
Betsy Figueroa says
What a wonderful life full of music and volunteerism. Rest in peace and may God comfort her family
Marcia Barnes says
I feel so fortunate to have been part of the “family” that so loving welcomed my mother in as a foster child so many years ago. She truly felt that she was a daughter and a sister to all the Bergs and I felt the same. I was always so excited to go to WSS to see the family. Jean will be missed and fondly remembered by so many. RIP to my dear aunt. And all of my love and best wishes are being sent to the family.
Lois Neufeldt and family says
Thank you Becky, for your family message, she was a wonderful woman who shared many lives in all her educational and musical years, how lucky all her family to be so close in sharing her presence. Find joy in your wonderful memories as the years pass, even some you may have almost forgotten. Mothers are so precious, now and forever. Sending our blessings from Hood River OR
Jo Berg says
Aunt Jean, you will be missed so much.
Love you.
Jo
Bob Fallang says
A great lady that will be missed by many
Rodney Johnson says
So sorry to hear of your loss! Mrs. Ellison was a kind and patient lady.
Sandra "Sam" Luther says
We are very sorry for your loss. Jean was a super sweet lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Gene & Judy Sondeno says
Our love & prayers to Jean’s family. She was truly a talented special lady who always knew everyone–a life to celebrate!
Harold Everson says
Dorothy and I send our sympathy to Jean’s family. She was my faithful and talented organist during those formative years at American Lutheran, when I was a young pastor just getting started in the ministry. Jean was so supportive of me and our congregation as I served there from 1957 to 1963. God bless her memory!
Lindie Fink Gibson says
Dear Becky, Rick, and Kristie, I remember your mom – from the week I spent at Vacation Bible school in 1964 when I stayed with Jack and Helen; my aunt and uncle – on the Wylie ranch,, and wish to extend my condolences to each of your and your families during this time of separation….
Gene & Debbie Gibson says
Dear Rick & Family – Sorry to hear about your Mom. May the special memories of her help you get through this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Thea Westre Swenson says
I would like to extend sincere sympathy to the Berg and Ellison families in the death of Jean. She was the music teacher when I was in high school in Big Timber, MT. I was in a singing group that she asked to sing at her wedding, so I was there in 1947. One thing I remember about Jean was that she had a yellow convertible that made a hit in Big Timber. She was a great lady.
Jane Culler says
Jean Ellison was such a wonderful lady and I was so proud to be one of her piano students when I was in Jr. High. I do wish I would have continued to study later on, but she left a lasting impression on a young girls heart. I had the privilege of visiting with her years later and it is truly one of my fondest memories. Meagher County has lost one of the jewels of it’s crown.
Connie Mangas says
I am honored to have been a part of Jean’s life the past few years. She was a wonderful, wise and kind woman that never said a bad word about anyone. She loved her family unconditionally. She will be greatly missed…..
Connie Mangas
Donna Amaro says
Jean was a very special woman. I knew her from the funeral home. She played at almost all the services. She was a kind and gentle woman. She will be missed by all. Say hello to Larry Scholz up in heaven for me.
Kevin haugan says
She was one of the stable people in the family and church she will be missed but god will welcome her and her services
Mrs Lillie says
I’m sorry for the loss of your dear loved one, Jean, may you find comfort in the God of all comfort, Jehovah, (2 Corinthians 1:3,4) in his word, the bible, in Psalms 34:18: Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit. God’s word, also says in Isaiah 25:8: He will swallow up death forever, And the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces….for Jehovah himself has spoken it. (Psalms 83:18; Titus 1:2) Isaiah 33:24; Revelation 21:3-5; / John 5:28,29; John 11:25,26; Acts 24:15. This is what God’s Kingdom, under Jesus Christ rulership, will accomplish in the near future, for all those who love righteousness. The true God, also promises in his word, in Psalms 37:11,29:..The meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace, 29: The righteousness will possess the earth, And they will live forever on it. Psalms 104:5; Psalms 115;16; Ecclesiastes 1:4; Job 33:25; Isaiah 35:5,6; Isaiah 65:21,22; Psalms 37:34. (New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures)
Sue ( Loendorf) Standley says
Becky and family. I saw your Mom’s obituary in the Helena paper, and just wanted to share my memories of her. She was so very patient in teaching me piano for about 3 years in early grade school ( and I’m sure she knew I didn’t like practicing), and I always loved playing at your house because your Mom was so sweet and fun to be around.
I know my parents thought a lot of Jean. My thoughts are with you and your family. Much love, Sue
Marc Duncan says
Was always exceptionally good to me as a friend of her son. Life is simply just a little less complete without Jean in it.