Jean Petaya

Jean was born in Chinook, Montana to Ward and Essie Keith on August 12, 1924. She was one of seven children (Ernest, Donald, Harry, Billy, Mary Ellen (Canoy) and Rose Eva (Keck). Jean passed away on July 15, 1924. Just 28 day shy of her "Century Celebration".

Jean resided in Montana until 2009 when she moved to Spokane, Washington to be closer to her children.

 She married John Stewart in 1950. They resided in Gt. Falls, Montana and eventually moved to East Glacier Park, Montana. Several years later they moved back to Gt. Falls where they raised their children. Dennis (Finch), Ron, Doris, Mark and Jack. 

In 1981 she married Gordon Petaja. They made their home in Roundup and eventually moved to Lewistown. They spent winters at their home in Brownsville, Texas where they golfed and enjoyed time with friends. 

Jean was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #0004 and the Moose Chapter 909. She was a strong, determined, and sometimes feisty woman with a zest for life and a lot of "spunk"! And my-oh-my how she loved to dance. Of all her loves, dancing was right there at the top. From the Twist, Polka, and Waltz, to the Texas 10 Step (which she learned in her 80s). For her 90th birthday, per her request, we rented a hall, hired a band, and had a dance! She danced every dance for 2 hours (even though she was almost totally blind.)

Unfortunately she fell in 2015 and had to move into assisted living, which turned into full care after another fall on New Years Eve in 2017 - and no, she wasn't dancing when she fell. 

She was preceded in death by her son Dennis R. Finch; great-granddaughter Raya McCoy; and all 6 of her siblings. 

She is survived by her loving children Ron Stewart (Sheryl) and Doris Anyan (Garry); 9 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. 

We would like to thank Horizon Hospice and Palliative Care for their ongoing support over the past years. I believe mom set a record with them. She was in and out of Hospice three different times!

And a special thanks to Monica, Julie A., and Laura at Royal Park. They were instrumental in keeping mom comfortable, cared for and loved for nine years.