Norma Jean Bennett

November 5, 1929 - June 13, 2012

Jean was born in Glendive, Montana on November 5, 1929, the daughter of Donald and Beatrice (Haines) McLeod. After the death of her father she moved with her mother and two sisters to a farm near Sanders, Montana in 1937. Jean attended school at Sanders through the eighth grade. She graduated from high school at Hysham in 1947. On September 6, 1947, Jean and Clarence Bennett were united in Marriage. They made their home in Harlowtown for a short time before moving to Miles City. Jean and Clarence were blessed with four sons. In 1952, at the age of 22, Jean was stricken with polio. She spent about six weeks in the iron lung. She then spent several months at Shodair Children’s Hospital in Helena for physical therapy. The therapy helped with movement of her arms but she was confined to a wheelchair. Jean loved to read and learn. In 1981, Jean went to college at Miles Community College. She took classes for computers and office management.

Jean enjoyed knitting, crocheting, reading, artex painting and working daily crossword puzzles in the newspapers. She enjoyed playing cards. She would tease her son’s wives they weren’t part of the family until they learned to play pinochle. In the spring and summer months, Jean would spend hours in her garden enjoying the beautiful flowers. Jean loved being with and talking to people. If you stopped by Jean’s home, you would be there longer than planned. Jean made you feel welcome. She was known to many as Mom or Grandma Jean.

Jean is survived by two sisters: Betty Milmine of Sanders, MT; and Donalene McLeod of Miles City, MT; her children: Larry (Lynn) Bennett, Dale Bennett, Earl (Laura) Bennett and Lyle (Darcy) Bennett all of Miles City; grandchildren: Larry Ed, Donald, Dyna, David, Emily, Misty and Wyatt; seven great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many unofficial adopted kids and grandkids. Jean was preceded in death by her husband Clarence, her father Donald McLeod, mother Beatrice Freestead, step father Henry “Daddy Hank” Freestead, and two brothers David and Roger Freestead.

Visitation was held on Monday, June 18, 2012 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment followed in the family lot of the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Print this post