Jean Orah Cathey Hough passed away at her home in Broadus on October 24, 2020. She was born February 24, 1929, in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, the third of ten children of Gerald and
Ursula Beilage Cathey. The Cathey’s were sheep ranchers from Carter County, Montana. In the
early 1930s, due to drought conditions, the family moved to Belle Fourche where Jean attended first and second grade. In 1936, improved conditions allowed the family to return to the Carter County ranch. While living at her family’s ranch, she spent several summers in a sheep wagon with her dog and horse. Jean completed her elementary schooling in country schools. In 1943, Jean’s father Gerald suffered a fatal heart attack. That same year, she entered high school in Broadus, Montana boarding with the family of Angelina Preston whose daughter Mary became one of Jean’s lifelong friends. She graduated in 1947 and in June of that year married McCulla “Cap” Hough, a returning World War II veteran. Cap was a mechanic and went to work for Bogner Brothers Chevrolet Dealership, and Jean became deputy County Treasurer under Helen Y. Irion, Treasurer. When Helen’s term ended, Cap and Jean decided to go to California seeking employment. On a visit home, Jean was alarmed at the lack of consistent schooling and care of her younger siblings. She and Cap decided to return to Montana to provide them a stable and consistent living situation. In the early 1950s they decided to build a modern motel unit in Broadus, which became the C-J Motel. Later as seismograph and oil exploration activities continued in the county the business gradually expanded. In 1960, Jean and Cap adopted a son, Stephen, and two years later a daughter, Andrea. Jean was musically gifted and was in demand to sing for funerals, weddings, and many community events. She also played with many different bands providing Saturday night dance music. Cap died in 1974, and Jean continued to operate
the motel and raise Stephen and Andrea. During this time, she applied for and was accepted by the Kellogg Leadership Development Program through which she enrolled in classes at Montana State University in Bozeman and visited communist China. She twice journeyed up the Mississippi River from the Gulf of Mexico to the Minnesota locks on small scientific boats. She also took advantage of travel opportunities offered by Rocky Mountain College in Billings,
taking Stephen and Andrea to Europe. In the 1980s, she purchased the Quarter Horse Motel and began construction of the Dereck units which were attached to the existing C-J Motel. The business expanded with the Buckskin Motel and the White Buffalo Campground. In the 1990s
she acquired the Ashton and Amelia Jones home and created the Judges Chambers Restaurant, which operated in Broadus until 2011. Featuring European chefs, it was often said to have “the best food in 2,000 miles.” Along with son Steve she continued in operation of the family businesses. In the spring of 2020, Jean was interviewed for the TV show, Our Montana, with Mike Penfold. In 2019 she was diagnosed with cancer. The treatment seemed to be going well until late 2020 when she lost the battle with cancer. She is survived by son Stephen Held, daughter Andrea Hough Heyneman, brothers, sisters, and grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She enjoyed spending time with her family, her dogs, making music, and playing piano for the UCC church. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Wednesday November 4, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59317
Private Services
11:00 AM
Thursday November 5, 2020
Powder River Congregational United Church of Christ
Masks are required, will have extras if needed
Broadus, Montana 59317
Graveside Service
12:15 PM
Thursday November 5, 2020
Valley View Cemetery
Public is invited
Broadus, Montana 59317
Luncheon
After Graveside Service
Thursday November 5, 2020
Valley View Cemtery
Broadus, Montana 59317
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Wednesday November 4, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59317
Private Services
11:00 AM
Thursday November 5, 2020
Powder River Congregational United Church of Christ
Masks are required, will have extras if needed
Broadus, Montana 59317
Graveside Service
12:15 PM
Thursday November 5, 2020
Valley View Cemetery
Public is invited
Broadus, Montana 59317
Luncheon
After Graveside Service
Thursday November 5, 2020
Valley View Cemtery
Broadus, Montana 59317
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Connie & Ron Watts says
Steve and Andrea, please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. My very first job was with Jean at the C-J Motel, and I always enjoyed working with her. Keep your memories close! May God bless you and your entire family with comfort and healing.
Alveda Hurst says
To the family, I am truly sorry. She will be missed by all, all her family and the community. She was a quite advocate of her community, being involved in many of the projects that makes Broadus a better . R.I.P. Aunt Jean and please tell my Dad I love him. Veda
SALLY A. BORLA says
I will miss Jean so much–always knew I could call her for any problem here at the Campground. It was amazing how much she still did this past year even with her failing health–She was a business woman for sure but also fun to know and so appreciative when I helped her out at the Motel office. My sincere sympathy and love to Steve, Andrea and grandchildren. May you rest in peace Jean and also a million thanks for helping our Mother when she needed transportation.
Cindy Cathey Rock says
My deepest condolences to her children and grandchildren for the profound loss of Jean, a loving and constant example of what strength and kindness looks like in a woman. Aunt Jean treasured music, history, art, nature, poetry, good food, al her family and neighbors and the little town of Broadus. I will miss Aunt Jean forever. May she rest in everlasting peace.
Kevin and Katrin Chandler says
Dear Andrea and Family!
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
I will always remember the nice visits I had with your mom. She was beautiful inside and out, a kind person through and through.
It was so awesome to feel her support for Miss Allison and Special Olympics. Her love for her family was noticed in a big way.
Kay Johnston says
Sending healing heart hugs to all. I enjoyed Jean very much. Sincerely; Kay Johnston
SKIN AND BETTY COLLINS says
Prayers and hugs to Steve and Andrea and families. We will miss Jean so much at church on the organ and piano. And her beautiful voice. She was a very talented woman. This community will never be the same again without her. She fought a brave battle. Now she can rest in peace with the rest of her family that has gone ahead. The music and bells are playing in heaven. Love you Jean.
Bonnie Sprague says
I send my deep condolences to Steve, Andrea and the family of grandchildren and siblings! Jean was such a big part of the community of Broadus and will certainly leave a big hole. She was close with my parents and also a dear friend of mine. Jean may you find your peace and surely know that you’ll be missed by many! Your music can truly join the orchestra in heaven now!
Carolyn Johnson says
Much sympathy, Steve and Andrea and families. Your loving support of your mom as she neared the end of her earthly life was inspiring. She will be missed by so many of us. I am thankful she was a part of my life and my family’s. Her quest for social justice and peace led many of us to widen our thinking beyond our comfort zone at times. What a wonderful, caring person, freely sharing her musical talent to all.
Love you all-
Carolyn Heidel Johnson and family
Cora Mae Smith Ofstie says
Jean will be always remembered for her Beautiful Smile, Loving Heart, Generous Giving to her Family, Friends & the Powder River Community. My prayers for her children, grandchildren, siblings & all of us! We miss you, Jean…I think Jean had a wonderful heart full of love like her Grandmother Beilage.
jane thompson says
Dear Families of Jean,
You all loved this Special Lady and you will all miss her in your very own ways. I especially saw her gentle and caring heart. RIP Jean.
Robbin Stoddard says
Heartfelt condolences to all of Jean’s family. She will be remembered for her many talents and her warm smile. Steve and Andrea, my thoughts and hugs are with you.
Gerry Clarke says
A great life well lived is all we can hope for. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of reflection for you all…… 🙏🙈🙏
barbara & gordon mcahren says
our prayers are with you during this time
The McAhrens says
Steve,Jaeger and Rikki – We are holding your hands from afar and thinking of you all. Jean was and is a
wonderful lady. She is home with the Lord. Bless you all. B and G Mc
Mary Smith Roig says
I’m sorry for the loss of this beautiful woman. Jean was loved by all. My mom and her served their church with music and laughter. I’m praying for the family. I will miss her laughter, her hugs, her .music. and her faith. I’m writing this on behalf of my parents at the manor, my daughter a d myself. Love and prayers. Ted and Ellen Smith, Mary Smith Roig and Maggie Roig.