On the evening of August 5, 2019, Jill B. Menard passed away at the Broadwater Health Center in Townsend, Montana. Jill was 84 years old.
Jill Menard was born in Great Falls, Montana on May 25, 1935. She was the second daughter of Kerwood E. and Dorothy R. Burleigh. Jill spent her early childhood years in Glendive, Montana.
Jill graduated from Bozeman High School and Montana State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics and Physical Education. She taught in Big Timber, Wilsall, and the Helena Public Schools system, and Mountainview School for Girls . Jill was also the Broadwater County School Superintendent for four years.
Jill married Bernard “Bing” Menard in August of 1959 and later divorced. They had 6 children, 14 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
As an active member of the Catholic Church Jill was a Eucharistic Minister, an active CCW member and volunteered many hours taking communion to the homebound parishioners. Mom was an accomplished seamstress and spent many hours sewing clothes for her children and friends. After retiring Jill, volunteered at Townsend Schools, Broadwater County Museum, Helping Hands, and the Food Bank. Mom’s hobbies included collecting teapots, bowling, reading, and solving puzzles.
Surviving children include Larry (Linda) Menard, Michele (John) Rauser, Lisa (Paul) Orth, Renee K. Richter, John K. Menard, and Lee (Stacy) Menard. She is also survived by a sister, Diane Wood of Kalispell and numerous nieces and nephews.
Grandchildren: Tahne (Shane Raynor), Tel (Jessica), Klint, and Kate Menard; Samantha (John) Ferrat, Rachelle (Ryan) Burckhard, and Magdalyn Rauser; Taylor Sevier and Jillian (Robert Jasper) Orth; Shay and Kylie Richter; Natasha Diehl, Callie, and Bridget Menard. Great Grandchildren: Nicholas and Dillon Sevier, Mac Menard, Connor and Cleo Burckhard, and Andrew Ferrat.
The Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 a.m. with a funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 12th at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 101 S. Walnut Street in Townsend. A reception will follow the Mass in the fellowship hall of the church. Burial will be at a later time. Memorials suggested to: Holy Cross Church, PO Box 610 in Townsend, MT or Broadwater County Museum, PO Box 614 in Townsend, MT. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Jill.
Service Schedule
Rosary
9:30 a.m.
Monday August 12, 2019
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S. Walnut Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Monday August 12, 2019
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S. Walnut Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the mass
Monday August 12, 2019
Holy Cross Catholic Church Fellowship Hall
101 S. Walnut Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Rosary
9:30 a.m.
Monday August 12, 2019
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S. Walnut Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Monday August 12, 2019
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S. Walnut Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the mass
Monday August 12, 2019
Holy Cross Catholic Church Fellowship Hall
101 S. Walnut Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
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Diane says
I have learned the power of prayer really does work, as shown through this amazing lady! I, for one, am inspired to pray a lot for my family and friends, knowing that our great and merciful God does listen! May God bless Jill in heaven, and May He grant her the ability to continue to protect and bless each and every one of her amazing family members, until they reunite again in His kingdom! Love, Diane Brown
Donna Colby says
Thoughts and prayers for you all Jill was a wonderful person
Beth Blazer says
Thoughts and prayers to all of the family. R.I.P Jill
Mary and Bill Duede says
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jill’s family. Our Parish Family at Holy Cross will surely miss her! God grant her Eternal Rest in Him. Our deep sympathy to you all.
Durk & Paula says
Hey Larry sorry to here about your Mom , Durk&Paula Pipinich
Dudley Williams says
Sincerest condolences to the Menard family. We were friends for many years.
Janet says
I’m sorry to hear about Jill. So many memories of the Menards…Jill was always there for mom in her last year. We appreciated her presence so much. Prayers to the family during this sad time.
Marie Hankins says
So sorry to hear about Jill. She will surely be missed. Now she can join the other bowling ladies who have passed away, in Heaven.
Jill got me involved in bowling not long after I moved here, and I enjoyed being on the team with her.
Rest in peace, Jill. I’ll miss you.
Zina Swanson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Jill was an amazing person. We always had fun together. She will be missed even though we are many miles apart. She had a smile for everyone. Dean and Zina
Nora and Tom Bazuin says
We are really sorry to hear of Jill’s passing. She was a kind and wonderful woman, always smiling. Holy Cross will really miss her and all she did for the parish. Lifting her family up in prayers for comfort and peace during this difficult time. God bless!
Janet & J.L. Jones says
We were sorry to hear of Jill’s passing we will keep your family in our prayers. It was privilege to know Jill always had a wonderful smile and greeting when we seen her at church. She will most likely be one of God’ s special helping Angels just like she was here on earth.
Elliott says
I got to know Jill briefly while working at BHC. We shared a few meals together and even though she was very sick when I knew her, she made me laugh and was a delightful, warm presence in the hospital. I am glad that I got to read about her remarkable life in her obituary. God bless this beautiful, wonderful woman.