Jeanette Barnes passed away peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, August 25, in the LTACH Hospital in Billings. Jeanette was born on June 21, 1950, in Helena, to William and Kathy Barnes (Clare). She went to school in Helena and then on to the University of Montana where she studied Art and Education.
She married Tom Plattenberger in 1973 but they later divorced. She later married Dick Geary of the Geary Ranch in Helmville. Although Jeanette and Dick later went separate ways, she remained close friends with Dick and the family. Dick preceded her in death.
After working various jobs around the state, Jeanette settled into her life in Butte. She taught for many years at the Butte High Alternative School. After she retired, she taught art at Butte Central.
Jeanette loved everything about her life in Butte. She loved walking the trails and especially looked forward to the wildflower walk in the spring. She rarely went anywhere without her sketchbook. Art and calligraphy were her passion. She was a long-time dedicated member of the Main Stope Gallery, which brought her so much satisfaction.
Jeanette was a devoted Catholic and had recently become an associate of the BVM, sisters of charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Even as her health declined, she continued to care about others. One of her most recent wishes was to support Robert Taylor in his plea for pardon and pursuit of a career in echocardiography. She remembered him as a very respectful student and she wished to express her complete faith in him.
Jeanette was a dear sister and aunt. She will be greatly missed by sister, Barbara Barnes, and nieces and nephews, Carmen Barnes Donaldson, Rob Tenas, Ronda Tenas-Leyra, and her kids, Gerardo, Elena, Aydan, Melody, and Eddy. She will be missed by all of her wonderful friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to De La Salle Blackfeet School in Browning, Montana.
A funeral mass will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, September 2, 2020, at Immaculate Conception Church in Butte.
There will be an informal gathering at 3 P.M. at Forman Park off of Main St. Take a right turn on Pacific Street.
She will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery in Helena during a private burial.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Jeanette and her family.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday September 2, 2020
Immaculate Conception Church
Caledonia St & N Western Ave
Butte, Montana 59701
Social Gathering
Following Service
Wednesday September 2, 2020
Foreman's Park, at Mountain Con Mine Yard, Little Minah Street in Butte
,
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday September 2, 2020
Immaculate Conception Church
Caledonia St & N Western Ave
Butte, Montana 59701
Social Gathering
Following Service
Wednesday September 2, 2020
Foreman's Park, at Mountain Con Mine Yard, Little Minah Street in Butte
,
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Sandy Hansen says
It is very hard to say goodbye to Jeanette. She was my cousin and friend and I will certainly miss her. She has been a part of my life for more years than I want to admit.
From the time she was a little girl she wanted to be an artist and she never gave up that dream. Just last week her sister told me she was thrilled that she had sold another painting and I think her pleasure was in knowing that she was sharing a part of herself with the world. She worked hard to hone her talent and it was a big part of her life.
She loved teaching and I think that was again a way to share her love of art with young people. I’m sure there are many more artists in the world because of her, and certainly more beauty.
Kristel Koukoua says
Jeanette was a lovely lady, colleague, and friend. She was so kind and gentle, and cared deeply for all the kids she nurtured and taught. She has left a lovely legacy, though she will also be greatly missed.
Kevin Collins says
Jeanette and I go back to earlie 1960’s and have tried to stay in touch, it was allways great to recieve her cards and letters! What a kind and gentil person of incredible talent,over the years we stayed in touch. I am saddened to learn of her passing,May her gentle soul reach to the heavens and beyond, allways in my prayerd
Kevin M Collins says
Jeanette and I go back to earlie 1960’s and have tried to stay in touch, it was allways great to recieve her cards and letters! What a kind and gentil person of incredible talent,over the years we stayed in touch. I am saddened to learn of her passing,May her gentle soul reach to the heavens and beyond, allways in my prayerd
Page Grogan says
Jeanette is a beautiful soul. She will be missed. Her beautiful smile, tender heart and gentle demeanor opened the door for me to get to know her. She is a gem. Her spirit lives on. She will be missed in this life. I am thankful for her friendship.
McKenzie Norton says
I had Jeanette for art at Central. I never liked art, but I loved going to her class everyday. She made art fun and she would always compliment you no matter how good it was. She will be greatly missed.
Michelle Holt says
Jeanette was a source of kindness and peace. We feel fortunate she entered our lives when we needed both.
Michelle and Ted
Dennis Grose says
I was so very saddened to hear about Jan’s passing. I had the distinct pleasure and honor in working with Jan while she was at The Montana Standard, and I at Montana Tech where we worked together on many graphic/editorial projects. Among them were M-News, the alumni newsletter, the Fall and Springs Sports Media Guides for Oredigger Athletics and countless student-recruiting brochures. These were distributed nationally and I have no doubt her talent and dedication to these publications impacted the college’s enrollment by incorporating her touch and grace into each. Jan was a true joy and professional to be associated with. May she find peace and serenity on her new journey. -30-
Sandi Skender says
Jeanette was like an angel to all of us at Butte Central High School where she taught Art. She had such an artistic touch to everything she touched and she cared deeply for her students through the years. I will miss her smile which brightened our days at school, her positive attitude and her contribution and hard work to the Art department at school and in the community. I will miss you my friend. Rest in peace.
Elaine Olsen says
Jeanette ‘s grace and warmth meant so much. Her talent was amazing and served as a special gift for me. Elaine G Olsen.
Andrea Hungerford Mead says
Jeanette and I grew up together. We are cousins and our mothers were very close. And, well, I considered Jeanette’s Mom my second Mom. Growing up our families celebrated Christmas together, and in my high school years I lived with them several summers. Such wonderful memories. I will miss Jeanette’s gentle and warm personality. RIP
Sally Sanders says
Dearest Jeanette was truely a person of grace and warmth, humor and kindness. I met her first in a painting class at UofM and wanted to always be near her. She was a gifted artist, and one who brought love and beauty into our world with each breath. I will miss her.