Jean Kathleen Stewart

Jean Kathleen Heberling Stewart,77, went to be home with the Lord on August 12, 2024. Jean burst through the doors of this world on November 13, 1946, in Kansas City, Missouri. She was the daughter of Charles Kenneth Heberling and Shirley May Phillips and soon became a big sister to Ken when they lived in Memphis, Tennessee. She would later speak fondly of the time she once waterskiied on the Mississippi.

The family moved to Dillon, Montana, where her parents purchased and ran the Gamble's store. Jean attended Beaverhead County High School. She went on to complete her studies at Western Montana College, earning her secondary teaching degree in English. Jean married Greg Stewart in 1968. They moved to Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas while Greg was in the service. While he served as an airplane mechanic, Jean taught new recruits reading and writing skills, which enabled them to read and interpret schematics. After their work at the air force base, the couple moved back to Dillon, and together they built a family. Greg and his dad ran Stewart Construction, dappling the town with new homes. Greg purchased the business upon Carl's retirement and subsequent move to California. Jean supported Greg in the business and cared for their three young children, Cathy, Greg, and Chris.

On Feburary, 3 of 1978, the family was making a trip in a motorhome to California when tragedy struck. A horrific vehicle collision took Greg's life, but Jean and all of the children were miraculously spared. Through her strong will and the love and support of the Stewart, Heberling and countless Dillonite families, Jean continued raising her children in Dillon.

Over the years, Jean mastered cooking, creating savory dishes for her family. Fried chicken, homemade noodles for chicken noodle soup, and meatloaf that children greatly looked forward to eating were some of her delectable dishes. Her grandchildren delighted in her pink cinnamon applesauce. She was not afraid to experiment in the kitchen, either, and discovered that Jello containing celery and onions doesn't get great reviews. Garnishing the wiggly treat with American cheese was even considered appropriate in certain circumstances.

Outside the home, Jean participated in many community on-goings. She served for many years on the elementary school board and also dabbled in substitute teaching. She coordinated the Beaverhead County Fair on-goings for a few years, as well. In the late nineties, Jean developed a subdivision, Pioneer Lookout, north of town. She also helped out with real estate appraisals at McIsaac Appraisal. Around 2010, Jean circled back to the teaching for which she attended college and moved to Miles City, where she taught English courses at Pine Hills School for Boys. In this capacity, Jean did her part to help young men to get back on the right track, improving their chances for positive well-being. After about five years, Jean retired from teaching and returned to her home in Dillon. She busied herself with gardening and attending to her faithful dog, Tippy. Her independence, spunk, occasional cantankerous moments, and the unconditional love that she offered with a full heart will be greatly missed.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents and husband, and she is survived by her three children, Cathy Stewart, Greg (Kim) Stewart, and Chris (Marisa) Stewart, as well as her brother, Ken (Margo) Heberling. She was also blessed with the extended but close family in the Harringtons, Ibeys and Scotts, along with many nieces and nephews, eleven grandchildren, and two great grandbabies. A memorial service will be held 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 24, at Brundage Funeral Home, with graveside service to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.