Anna Henderson

Anna Gail (Janes) Henderson, of Dillon, Montana, peacefully passed away on April 10, 2016. Born February 15, 1931, to Edward Vincent and Blanche Marion (Tracy) Janes, in Iona, Idaho where she grew up and attended the Iona public school. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On February 17, 1947, she married the love of her life, Bert Francis Henderson. They settled in Idaho Falls for a short time before moving in 1953 to Lima, Montana. They bought their first new home in 1962 and moved their family of seven children to that home in Dillon, where she resided until her passing. Bert preceded her in death on July 24, 2008. Anna’s first job in Dillon was as a nurse’s aide at the Barrett Hospital caring for the needs of others. She also worked several years at the D I Hardware store before deciding to pursue owning her own business. In 1987, her life-long dream came true when Anna opened “Anna’s Oven”. Coming from a large family, she was taught at an early age the cooking and baking skills in helping her Mother prepare meals for the family. She learned to measure with either a handful or a pinch of the various ingredients. Throughout her years, she continued using this same method of cooking and baking in preparing meals for her own family. She always knew the amount she held in her hand was just the right amount. It was perfect every time. No matter what she prepared for her family, the end results were always a delight and wonderful. Anna used these same techniques at Anna’s Oven, which was always filled with customers, many from out of state, who could not pass up her renowned cinnamon rolls, sticky buns, fresh baked breads, or lunch specials, many would be repeat customers. She always had a warm welcoming smile that reflected a welcome home feeling to whoever she greeted. Her talents also included making beautiful birthday and wedding cakes, catering for special events and the popular western bands who performed during the Labor Day Celebration in Dillon. She took pride, alongside her family members, to honor military members from Beaverhead County serving in the Gulf War, (Desert Storm/Desert Shield), sending them care packages from her support group, Love From A Distance. With the onset of failing health, it was time to say good-bye to Anna’s Oven and put it in the pages of history. Shortly after retiring, she compiled her recipes into Anna’s Oven Cookbook, all of which sold out. A special excerpt from her cookbook reads: “For over 12 years Anna’s Oven was a labor of Love, a heaping tablespoon of happiness that helped me make a super batch of new friends. Though Anna’s Oven was a dream realized, cooking for my family has always been my greatest joy. In fact, my seven wonderful children are responsible for this recipe book. They were the truest judges of my cooking and recipes…never shy about voicing their opinions on my kitchen creations. To them I dedicate this book”. She always loved sharing her passion about baking and lending advice. Her wisdom will be greatly missed. Love was her greatest gift. Many knew her, but more loved her. Till we meet again, rest peacefully in your heavenly home with Bert, in the loving arms our Lord. She is survived by her seven children, Roberta (Marvin-deceased) Barker of Dillon, MT, Marsha (Ed) Taylor of Cedar Hill, TX, Bruce (Joyce) Henderson of East Helena, MT, Mike (Joy) Henderson of Palmdale, CA, Doug (Cathee) Henderson of Seattle, WA, Peggy (Mahmoud) Talib of Mesquite, Texas, Tracy Henderson of San Tan Valley, Arizona, fifteen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren and a great-great granddaughter, a sister, Wilma (Clyde) Rust, Portland OR, numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents Edward Vincent and Blanche (Tracy) Janes, sisters Ellen Maurine Ricks, Ardys “Babe” Carter, Elaine Christensen, Kathleen Ross. Brothers, Paul Oswald Janes and Edward “Bud” Janes. Anna was a great-granddaughter to Faithful Pioneer, Nancy Naomi Alexander Tracy. Visitation will be at 9:00 a.m. and Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m., April 14, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Dillon. Internment will be in Mountain View Cemetery, Dillon, MT.