Stating many times over the last few months “there’s nothing going on around here” and “that’s just the way it is,” Kathleen Carol Brammer Jepson departed her earthly life on September 25, 2023 in Helena, MT at the age of 95 years.
Kathleen was born December 20, 1927 in Forsyth, MO to Florence Leona Young Brammer and George Zealand Brammer. She lived in a one-story wooden-frame house in Buffalo, MO as a child with her parents and her loving, close siblings – Betty Jo, Gale Zealand, Jerry Newton, Patti Mae and Barbara Rose. Some of her happiest childhood memories were going to her Grandmother Young’s home in Ozark MO during the summers. When she was 15 she got her first job as a telephone operator for $7 per week. She graduated from Green City High School in 1945.
On her first date with her future husband, John Newton Jepson took Kathleen to the circus and bought her a pin that said, “blondes preferred.” Kathleen married that quiet, handsome man, her high school sweetheart, on September 21, 1946 and together they raised 3 sons: John Jepson, Jr., Joe Jepson, and Jack Jepson. Her favorite memories as a couple were coming to Montana every year to visit her parents, attending family picnics, and raising their 3 sons together. Kathleen and John divorced in 1992.
Kathleen spent most of her working life as a Linotype operator, starting at her parents’ newspapers and later for the Townsend Star, a local newspaper in Broadwater County that she and her husband owned and operated for many years.
In her later years, she enjoyed traveling, serving as the “Queen Bee” of the local Red Hats chapter and spending time with her many friends and family. For many years, she traveled annually to Missouri to attend her high school’s all-class reunion – she enjoyed seeing old friends and reminiscing very much.
The family would like to thank Betty Mockel and Sharon Lewis for their faithful visits during her last two years at Silver Springs Assisted Living. Kathleen was a faithful member of the Townsend Methodist Church and enjoyed her church family and its activities for decades.
She is pre-deceased by her parents and all of her siblings except her devoted sister Barbara, and 3 grandchildren. In addition to her sister Barbara (Frank), Kathleen is survived by her sons – John (Bonnie), Joe (Lisa), and Jack (Heidi), as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren who will fondly remember her as ‘Grammy’ and ‘Gigi.’ She is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Funeral services will be held at the United Methodist Church in Townsend, MT on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. Her cremains will be interred at Deep Creek Cemetery.
“I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one. I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun, with happy memories that I leave when life is done.” — Carol Merkel
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday September 30, 2023
United Methodist Church
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
Following the service
Saturday September 30, 2023
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the burial
Saturday September 30, 2023
United Methodist Church
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday September 30, 2023
United Methodist Church
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
Following the service
Saturday September 30, 2023
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the burial
Saturday September 30, 2023
United Methodist Church
Townsend, Montana 59644
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Art Graham, May, and Phuong says
Mrs. Jepson was indeed among the best of the best. As a teen, I remember her long hours of diligence into late nights as she and John, along wih Mr. Brammar, produced a very high quality small town/county newspaper via laborious typesetting by hand. Notwithstanding long hours of work, Mrs. Jepson’ enjoyed many great friends, and her home was always a joyful venue for us kids. She added many laughs. Her great sense of humor and pleasant nature continued into her later years. A favorite anecdote from her later years: When we visited from Vietnam, Mrs. Jepson proudly announced ” I don’t cook anymore”. (The boys had disconnected the stove for her protection). My résponse was “It’s okay. Jack is a good cook”. Mrs. Jepson’s retort with a smile: “Jack doesn’t know how to cook. I don’t like his cooking!”. She then ate her ” Meal on wheels” as we enjoyed great BBQ. Mrs. Jepson: you were one in a million, and you will be missed! Godspeed to all the family in this time of loss and transition.
Carolyn (Kelly) Anderson says
Such a fun loving, kind, respected lady! Blessings to her family.
Gary Adams says
So sorry for your loss, she was a neat lady.
Myrna says
Sending prayers of comfort to the family. I never saw this beautiful lady without a smile on her face.
Mary Ellen Schnur says
Kathleen’s zest for life, her beautiful smile, and her wonderful laugh made every encounter with her an uplifting experience. She was truly a gift to our community, and to all who knew her.
Steve Babcock & Sue says
Got to know Kathleen form 2001 to present. One of our favorite people. Always willing to help & give she was a vital addition to anything we were involved in. In later years she would often call & ask us to stop by & take something somewhere for her. Once I stopped for things she was donating to the church rummage sale, walking through to the garage where the donation was she stopped & looked at a bookcase & said, “I don’t need to keep those books take it all. Don’t forget the case!!” Generous she was!
Joanie Werner Mathis says
Kathleen traveled with me at Mountain West Bank – Summit Club- for many years! She was always such a delightful lady with that southern touch!
Brian Ragen says
To the Jepson Family,
My condolences to you on the loss of your mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and more. I did not know Kathleen well, but always sensed that her gentle guidance kept you, as her loved ones, pointed in the right direction. (Not that any of you needed more than a nudge, of course.) As I write this, Kathleen is now once again reporter, copywriter, editor, printing press mechanic, and publisher of her own paper, The Celestial Star, relishing in the sound of the clicking press and the earthy fragrance of the ink. The good news flows daily, with just a bit of scandal to entice any otherwise reluctant reader. (John advises, but only when asked.)
Gail and Lorrie Vennes says
Our thoughts and prayers to you all. Kathleen was a true lady, full of life and a smile for everyone. May your memories bring you comfort and peace.