Anna Louise (Bucher) Jones died on July 25, 2025 in Butte, Montana.
She was privileged to be the first born of the Reverend Henry Hale and Louise Scott Bucher on November 8, 1934, on Hainan Island, South China. She was predeceased by her sister Pricilla Jo Bucher. Surviving siblings include Henry Hale Bucher Jr. (Cat) of Sherman, Texas, and George Scott Bucher (Courtney), of Lookout Mountain, Georgia. Anna spent most of her first 14 years with her family in Asia, including four years in the Philippine Islands under Japanese occupation during WWII. The remainder of her teenage years was spent in many different localities in the United States.
Anna attended Maryville College, Maryville, Tennessee, and graduated magna cum laud from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she had been inducted into Phi Kappa Phi. She married Bob MacDonald, of Missoula, Montana, and in 1956 the couple moved from Tennessee to Dillon Montana. Three children were born and raised there: Jean, Charlie, and Peggy. As the children grew Anna filled a variety of part time positions until 1976 when she moved to Bozeman, Montana. Anna obtained her teaching certification at Western MT College in Dillon and again at Montana State University in Bozeman, and taught high school for a short time in Philipsburg Montana. She and Bob were divorced during this period. In 1978 she moved to Helena, Montana, and a job with Operating Engineers. A year later she met John Jones, formerly of San Diego, California, and the couple was married in December of 1980. The two positions of longest duration that Anna held in Helena were as a program consultant with the American Lung Association of MT (1980-1990) and as Director of the Senior Center at Rocky Mountain Development Council (1990-1996).
Anna was predeceased by her husband, John Paul Jones. She is survived by three children, three step-children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. They are (by family) Linda (Ray) Newton and son Josh (Brigina) Adams of San Diego, CA; Douglas (Chris) Jones of Temecula CA and children Chase (Bri) Jones and Delaney Jones; Jean Miewald of Pittsburgh, PA.; Charlie (Laurie) MacDonald of Lewiston, ID; Kelly Brown of Nolensville, TN and sons Cameron (Addy) Brown and Caleb Brown; and Peggy (Regan) Dean of Butte, MT and children Mattea (Byron) McKinney, Holly Dean, and Seth (Nicole) and great-grand-daughter Amira Dean. Anna is also survived by nephews Clif and Bryan, and niece Lia, with whom she had a close bond. Time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchild was a highlight of Anna’s later years.
Anna was very committed to her faith and to Covenant United Methodist Church while she and John lived in Helena. She also volunteered for various groups including the Adult Learning Center for which she tutored in English as a Second Language. She was active in peace promoting activities and various overseas projects, and enjoyed many activities, including cross-country skiing and hiking. With her husband John she saw many beautiful parts of the country while back-packing and traveling. When she and John moved to Butte they attended Gold Hill Lutheran Church with family and made many new friends in their old age.
Anna’s obituary to this point was written by Anna herself while still in Helena, with only minor editorial and updating edits. Her family wishes to provide the following additions:
Anna spent her last nine years at Big Sky Senior living in Butte, where she had many wonderful friends among residents and staff as well as faithful friends in Butte and Helena. The family would like to thank Big Sky staff and residents alike for the exceptional love and care shown to Anna, especially in her last year. While Anna enjoyed the kindness of many friends, a particular friend of many years and a special friend from her last year were Anna’s rocks as her end of life approached. Thank you so much, Bonnie and Judy.
The family would also like to thank Honeybee Hospice, and especially Virginia, for the kindness shown to Anna and her family during Anna’s last several months of life.
A celebration of life for Anna will be held at Gold Hill Evangelical Lutheran Church in Butte at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 30. Memorials are suggested to Montana Public Radio or the Gold Hill Lutheran Church.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care Anna and her family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Anna.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday August 30, 2025
Gold Hill Lutheran Church
934 Placer St
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday August 30, 2025
Gold Hill Lutheran Church
934 Placer St
Butte, Montana 59701
Share
Barbara Estinson says
Anna was a good friend. My condolences to all of her family.
Margie Welter says
Peggy: so sad to hear that your Mom, Anna.I’m sure you will miss her a lot. Deepest Sympathy to all your family.
Lauri says
Peggy, I was so sorry to hear of your mom’s death. I enjoyed getting to know your mom. She was a fun lady with always a kind word. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
God Bless
Lauri Yelenich
Peggy Forsman Hall says
Dear Peggy, Charlie and Jeannie, I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was such a nice lady, and I remember her welcoming all of us neighborhood kids into her home. You all had the best dress-up clothes; especially that beautiful blue dress! I love you all. You are in my prayers. 🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼
Janet (Martin) Harvey says
Some of my best memories from high school in Dillon were with Annie and the MYF group! I learned so much from her. I’ve thought about her so often through the years, but had totally lost contact with her. Thank you, Annie, for everything! Jeannie, I’m so sorry about your mom. It’s a difficult time. Much love to you and all of those who love her!
Kelly Masom says
So very sorry Peggy, Anna was such a wonderful lady and I always enjoyed her stories she would share with me. It was an honor to have known her. Prayers for you all during this difficult time.