Jean (Hubing) Dekker, age 93, went home to be with the Lord on January 7, 2020 surrounded by family and friends.
Jean was born on November 3,1926 in Glendive, Montana, the daughter of Albert James and Helene (Garfield) Hubing. She attended the one room Summit School for her elementary years, went to Terry for her freshman and sophomore years and graduated from Circle High School in 1944. World War II was still going and there was a shortage of teachers, so the Dawson County Superintendent of Schools issued an emergency certificate and Jean was on her way to a teaching degree.
On October 11, 1947 Jean married William Dekker in Circle. They farmed and ranched south of Circle raising Angus cattle until Billy’s untimely death in 1982. Jean and Billy opened their home to Eileen Gamber who stayed with them for many summers and school vacations she was lovingly known as one of their “kids”. They were blessed with two children, Tom and Nola. Jean remained on the ranch until 1994 when she moved to Circle. She had good friends and enjoyed a part-time job baking at the Tastee Freeze on weekend mornings.
Jean’s first love was her family, the center of her life and love of her heart and being a homemaker. She loved cooking and baking homemade buns and cinnamon rolls, which many of us were recipients of efforts. Jean loved her children, gardening, flower beds, black cows and was an avid reader. She served as a 4-H leader, was on the McCone County Museum board, charter member of the Round Circle Cowbelles of which she was the first president. Jean was an active member of St. Francis Xavier Church and Auxiliary.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, husband Billy, sisters: Ann Conger and Corky LaRowe Jensen and brother Robert Hubing.
She is survived by her children: Tom (Valerie) Dekker, Nola (Jim) Hunter, Eileen (Ben) Benjamin; her grandchildren: Lucas and Cathy Dekker, Michael and Rebekka Hunter, Strad and Kent Benjamin; her brother Dale Hubing and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 10, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Xavier Catholic Church in Circle. Interment will follow in the Riverview Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Senior Center, MAF or charity of one’s choice.
Judy Nerud says
Nola and Tommy and families….know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Your mom was a gem, and oh how we loved it when she laughed…kind of reminded you of her mom and dad rolled into one…you could hear some of Bert and some of Helene…magical. All of us Hubings are there for you with wide open arms…sending lots of love your way.
Karen Lytle Forman says
Nola & Tommy and family….I have wonderful memories of your mother: singing in church, eating her delicious cooking, and always a kind word to say. Loved her voice! Remember the happy times, until we all meet again! God bless you all!
Kathy Aakre Ruddy says
Nola and family – I know what a kind lady she was – prayers to you all.
Kathy Aakre Ruddy says
630 S Muriel Dr
Karen (Hart) Carlisle says
Nola and family – my thoughts and prayers are for your comfort. Jean was a beautiful lady, and her spirit lives on in the happy memories. I can hear her laugh as I think fondly of her. God Bless.
Larry and Sheri Schmidt says
Our condolences to Jean’s family . She was such a lovely lady with a big smile. I remember the 4-H days and how good Jean was to all the kids.
Connie Revell says
Our sincerest condolences. I have such fond memories of your mother—her music, her laughter, her heavenly dinner rolls, her kindness to children. She was a wonderful person.
Connie Revell
Gwynn Pederson says
My thoughts of Jean are fond memories of a woman who loved with her whole being. My heart is sad that she has passed but I’d imagine she is making connections with all those who have gone before us. May your families celebrate her life as you let go of her, knowing that she is in the hands of Jesus.
Judy Hawkinson Fuchs says
My sympathy to Nola & Tom…Your Mom was a lovely lady.
Jackie Boysun says
My condolences to Tommy and Nola and their families. Your Mom was such a gem. She always had a little bag of dinner rolls or something she had just baked when we delivered meals on wheels to her. Will remember her fondly!
John and Angie Heitz says
Jean was one awesome lady. Many great memories. Best teacher.,neighbor, friend, and cook. Thinking of you Nola, Tommy and family.
Jacque (Reeves) LeDoux says
So sorry Tom and Nola. I loved your Mom. I remember visiting your family when we were young. Such good memories.
Peggy and Chuck says
We loved Jean and her whole hearted laugh. She was always so much fun to visit with. It always seemed she lived life to the fullest. You are in our hearts and thoughts
Cindy Lund says
Tommy and Nola, Our sympathies for the loss of your mom. Jean had the biggest heart and best laugh in the world. We remember the times when your family came to Terry for the Lee and Leone’s picnic on the Fourth of July and our visits to Circle. Keep your memories in your hearts. May she rest in peace.
Jana Hance says
Jean was a doll. Always sweet and caring, our community will miss her.
Lance and Lynesse Voegele says
Nola,Tommy and families, we are so sorry for your loss! Your mom was such a sweet, special lady! She was a good friend to my mom and I remember Jean fondly from church. God’s peace be with you in this time of sorrow.
Noreen and Greg Berger says
Nola, Tom, and families,
Our deepest heartfelt condolences go out to each and every one of you during this difficult time. Jean was an amazing woman who no doubt would speak her mind regardless of the circumstance. Loved this about her as she was REAL. Amazingly talented in her youth and I can still hear her laugh and visiting with her was always a blessing these past few years I’ve been home. Wish I’d done more of it now. She gave some great hugs! God bless you all!
Betty and Sean McCarthy says
Jean was one of my favorite original souls, she was so genuine, the quintessential ranch woman with a bountiful table. Jean also was one of those rare individuals who always inspired me to do better, be better, to believe that I could. I hope her family knows how much that ment
To me. I feel so fortunate to have been bestowed her attention over the years.
Now she has her reward, and she and Bill are together again.
Sparky and Marlene Dreesen says
Oh my how our parish will miss Jean…she was a one of a kind, you were always welcomed with a smile and caring word for all. Jean was willing to help when needed and especially when prayers were needed she was one of our great prayer warriors! Many thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time. Rest In Peace sweet Jean!
Ty and Keri Taylor says
What a sweet lady! And her laugh…I can still hear it!! She was a wonderful lady who will be missed in our little community. Thoughts and prayers to your family as you grieve. She is home now and laughing in heaven!
Terry Jackson says
So sorry to hear about Jean, I got to know her best when I worked at the grocery store and would help her with her shopping, she was such a sweet lady. she will be missed, sending prayers for the family and friends..
Barb and Jerry says
My first memory of Jean was when she stopped to help me when my pickup quit in a rain/hail storm…
I had two little kids and she was an angel. She helped us then and many times after. Such a loving, caring person and the best bread maker I have ever known. I bet she was an amazing teacher as she had a heart of gold. RIP Jean.
Denise (Strand) Stambaugh says
Tom, Nola and families,
My condolences and prayers for you during this time. May your memories live long and strong. Your Mom was wonderful lady.
Jim and Mae Rittal says
Tom, Nola and families.
Our condolences to you in this time of loss. Your Mom was such a gracious and kind woman.
Randy Mothershead says
To Tom and Nola, your Mom was special lady. Had many a meal at her table. Have some great memories of all the branding, and haying there.
She will be missed.
John and Marla McCormick says
Jean was a special lady…..we always enjoyed our visits with her. So sorry for your loss…….she will be missed.
Garry Johnson says
Jean was such a sweetheart! She would call me when she couldn’t get her TV to work and after I fixed it, I would always get some kind of goodie she made and a nice thank you note in the mail. She was one of the most genuine people you could ever meet. She will be missed. My most sincere condolences to the family.
Bill and Claire McLouth says
Remembering Jean with fondest memories. Such a gracious person and devote Christian. We send our condolences and love to Tom and Nola and their families.
Laura Bleazard says
Jean was such a lovely lady. My thoughts and prayers to her family; I know you have many wonderful and fun memories!
Debbie (Bond) Wagner says
My prayers and thoughts to Jean’s family. I will always remember her as such a happy and caring person.