Jean M. Maxwell

Jean Maxwell 80 of Lewistown passed away Wednesday evening, January 11^th, 2017 in the Central Montana Nursing & Rehab Center of natural causes with her family by her side. She was born March 22, 1936 in Lewistown the daughter of Richard and Ethel (Welsh) van der Hagen. She attended school, 12 years, at St. Leo’s School graduating in 1954. Following graduation, she worked for Francis Mack and at State Farm Insurance Company for several years. She then was employed by Taylor Drilling Company for three years and it was during this time that she met the love of her life Floyd Maxwell, they were united in marriage on May 23, 1959 in Lewistown. They made their home on his ranch on Cottonwood Creek where they farmed, ranched and raised their family until the time of her death. Six children were born to their marriage, Philip, Gregg, Laurie, Scot, Brett and Lisa.

Jean learned to sew at a young age and made most of her own clothing and many items of clothing for her grandchildren and nieces. When their family had grown up and needed less of her time she learned to quilt and spent much time at the always wanting to become proficient at it.

Jean was always a great promoter of “family” and “family life” and because of this spent much of her time doing things which benefited her family and other families. Many hours were spent baking and cooking for her family and others in need. She loved the outdoors and spent many hours cleaning, working in the yard, gardening and working alongside her husband.

Her grandchildren were a delight in her life and she spent many hours, when she was still able, making sugar cookies and cinnamon rolls with them.

Jean is survived by her husband Floyd of Lewistown; children Philip, Gregg (Robin) both of Lewistown, MT, Laurie (Dave) Harrell of Roy, MT, Scot (Shannon), Brett (Jennifer) both of Lewistown, MT and Lisa (Ryan) Harber of Havre, MT; brothers Harry van der Hagen of Lewistown and Don (Judy) van der Hagen of Vaughn, MT; fifteen grandchildren Sierra, Jandi and Hanna Maxwell, J.D., Justin & Jordan Harrell, Tucker, Renni Jean and Colt Maxwell, Megan, Katherine, Thomas and Emmett Maxwell, Ela Jean and Chloe Harber and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and one sister.

Memorial Mass for Jean M. Maxwell will be Saturday January 21^st, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Leo’s Catholic Church, vigil will be Friday, January 20^th, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Leo’s, cremation has taken place. The Cloyd Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Friends are asked to make memorials to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, Hospice of Central Montana or the charity of their choice and they may be left at the Cloyd Funeral Home. Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com