Jean Charles

Shirley Jeanne 'Jean' Charles, 80 "Firecracker!"  That was our Grandmother Jean.  She wasn't a passive grandmother that stood back and watched her grandchildren grow up.  But no, she was the type that was always part of the festivities. She never missed a holiday get together and never missed a local football, baseball or volleyball game or piano recital or band concert in her life when it came to being around her grandchildren. There were three things that you would always find in her home; cigarettes, lots of snack food, and about as much sugary things to kill a horse or two.  If she didn't have a snack one of grandchildren liked, it was on her list and in full stock the next day. She always tried to come close to get gifts we wanted with what little money she had. We were special to her, and she would do anything for us.  She could be stern when necessary, but mostly she was overly gentle.  She adopted many dogs and cats and soon loved them too much (you could tell by how fat they got). She was a very gifted letter writer.  If you were privileged to get one of her letters, you know what we are talking about.  She was equally talented at telling stories about her history.  Maybe the term should be "her-story".  And like every good story teller, there are elements of truth with a whole lot of colorful adders.   You rarely saw her without a smile on her face, and she always had a twinkle in her eye.   She was a wonderful grandmother; there are no doubts about that. For every one of us grandma, we love you and thank you for all of the happy stomachs and the smiles you brought to our faces.     Jean passed away in her sleep on June 6, 2015.  She was born in Cleburne, Texas on January 17, 1935.  Tragedy struck early when her mother died from injuries sustained in a fire.  Jean was adopted by an unconventional couple; thus she had a very strict and sheltered upbringing.  She went to nursing school where she obtained her Licensed Practical Nurse certification.  She married Merlin "Skeets" Plamann in 1957.  Later they divorced.  In 1972, Jean married the love of her life, Bill Charles.   They were close until his death in November 2001.   Jean is also preceded in death by her mother, Mildred Haines Fitzgerald and her father Charles Fitzgerald,  her infant twin sons Robert and Ronald, her young son Thimothy "Little Tim", her adopted sister Jewell Groome, and her adopted brother, Ted Mohr.  She is survived by her sister-in-law Salma Mohr (Loma Linda, CA),  her faithful son, Jim Rogers and his wife, Kim (Dillon), her devoted and loyal daughter Robyn Phipps and her husband Sam (Live Oaks, CA), her granddaughters Angie Tillis (Marcus), Jordyn Jeckel (Hayley) and Susan Tangmo, grandsons  Jamie Rogers and Joel Rogers (Chelsea), and Jean's "partner in crime", Kencade Rogers.  Also great grandchildren, Elijah and Carmelo Tillis, Harper Rogers and Raustin Rogers.   Per Jean's wishes, no services will take place.  A family gathering will be held later this summer to lay her ashes with Bill's.  Please send condolences to Brundage Funeral Home, 300 S. Atlantic, Dillon, MT  59725