Jeannine Ann (Smith) Freiboth passed away in her home on the morning of April 29th. She is missed so much already.
Jeannine (aka Jenny Wren, Smitty, Mom, and Grandma) was born on April 11th, 1953, in Glendive, Montana to Marjorie (Devier) and Roy Smith. She would eventually become an older sister to her brother Stuart, born on a Christmas Day.
Her early years were partially spent in Glendive living in an apartment complex where she shared a room with her cherished Aunt Shirley. She would spend weekends on the George Devier farm – baking, completing chores, and spending time with her mother’s family including Gertrude Huotari and Linda Burke.
Jeannine attended 1st – 3rd grade in Glendive; Worden 3rd-5th; Terry 6th -11th. Her family moved to Glasgow for a short period of time, but returned back to Terry after her dad bought the Ford Garage. She participated in the Rainbow Club and was a Majorette. Spare time was spent helping her dad at the Ford garage, riding her motorcycle across the badlands, and playing softball in the summer. Her first job was working at the Fort General Terry campgrounds.
During this time she also met Jere Freiboth – who would remain her high school sweetheart and eventually become her husband. Their date nights usually consisted of a drive in movie and ordering a Straight Vanilla from Young’s Bar and Cafe. They were crowned Prom King and Queen in 1971.
Although it was her childhood dream to be an acrobat in the flying trapeze and run away with the circus, once she graduated from high school she would attend freshman year of college at Montana State University – Bozeman and then finishing at Montana State University – Billings (formerly known as Eastern Montana College). She had a passion for education, children, and guidance – and this combination of interests would help her earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and graduate in 1975.
Jeannine returned to Terry to begin her teaching career. Jere completed schooling around the same time and would come to join his promised bride back in their home-town. They were married on May 24th, 1975 at the Presbyterian Church. They partied and danced for many years enjoying the finer things in life like bowling league, bridge games, whist, and going to Disneyland in their 1977 Ford Thunderbird T-Top (alongside Wray, Ramona, Celeste, and Cameron Freiboth).
After a few years of trying to start a family, Jeannine and Jere adopted their first child – Jade, in 1986. And then finally in 1989 they were blessed with their first blonde haired, blue-eyed girl – Jasmine. Jordan would eventually become the “baby girl” of the family in 1992. Jerett was an “almost Irish Twin” born in 1993 and was the missing piece of their family puzzle.
Jeannine’s new title of “Mom” would be the focus of her life from that point forward. Her days were spent teaching 3rd and 4th graders, while evenings and weekends were dedicated to her family. She helped with science fair projects, attended any and all athletic/band/choir events, organized birthday parties and sleep-overs, and was the biggest cheerleader for them all.
She watched all her children graduate from Terry High School and supported them all through the next phases of their life – college, cosmetology school, first jobs, marriage, or starting families of their own.
Jeannine added a new title – Grandma – in 2013 with the birth of her first grandbaby – Finley LouElla Smart (daughter of Jasmine and Patrick Smart, of Glendive). The family tree grew again in 2016 with the birth of their first grandson – Kelton Donovan – in 2016. She also loved getting to know and developing a relationship with her granddaughters Jaysha (17 years old) and Olivia (10 years old) from Billings (Jade and Justin Jagers).
After retiring from Terry Schools in 2016, Jeannine’s free time was spent tending to her flowers, keeping up with her grandkids, playing bridge at the Senior Center, participating in homemakers club, and attending community concerts in Glendive. She also joined a local book club, attended regular gatherings with her teacher friends, and recently had begun Bible Studies at the home of her good friend Lotty Rambur.
Jeannine liked to keep busy and enjoyed taking trips. Whether it was just down the road to baby-sit her grandkids on Fridays, take a spontaneous shopping trip to Dickinson, or hunt for leaves when visiting the Oregon Coast – she was always up for an adventure. She was looking forward to continued trips with her husband upon his retirement.
She wanted to be remembered as being honest, a person her family was proud of – and most of all humble. She worked hard, admitted mistakes, and always strived for better. She will be remembered by her family as understanding, genuine, and a person of complete, unselfish love.
Jeannine is preceded in death by her mother and father (Marjorie and Roy Smith); mother and father-in-law (Roberta and Raymond Freiboth); nephew Jason Freiboth (son of Wade and Dianne Freiboth); extended brother-in-law Kevin Kalfell (husband of Toni Freiboth (Kalfell)); and numerous other aunts and uncles.
She is survived by her husband of 43 years Jere Freiboth; her 4 children Jade (Justin Jagers), Jasmine (Patrick Smart), Jordan, and Jerett; brother Stuart Smith of Miles City; brothers-in-law Wray (Ramona) Freiboth, Lane (Sherry) Freiboth, and Wade (Dianne) Freiboth; sister-in-law Toni Freiboth (Kalfell); grandchildren Jaysha and Olivia Jagers, and Finley and Kelton Smart. Jeannine also had several other nieces, nephews, and cousins she held close to her heart.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Community Presbyterian Church in Terry. Private family interment will be held prior to the services at the Prairie County Cemetery in Terry. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
If desired, memorials in Jeannine’s name can be made to Terry’s Save our Pool Fund or the Prairie Community Hospital Foundation.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday May 5, 2018
Community Presbyterian Church
317 Logan Ave
Terry, MT 59349
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday May 5, 2018
Community Presbyterian Church
317 Logan Ave
Terry, MT 59349
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Kelly, Dulcy and Family says
Jere, Jade, Jasmin, Jerett, Jordy and Family,
We are so very sorry for your tremendous loss. Our hearts are heavy for you all. Jeannine was such a wonderful person who had such an infectious smile. May your precious memories give you strength. RIP Jeannine.
Kelly Corneliusen says
So sorry to hear this. Prayers go out to the family.
Marci Fox says
I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Mrs. Freiboth was my 3rs grade teacher many many years ago. I remember sitting at the lunch table and she told me I had to “eat my peaches”. Oh how I hated peaches! Mrs. Freiboth will always have a special place in my heart.
Troy and JoDee Hess says
We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for consolation at this time.
Kayla Rivas says
Jasmine and family,
My heart is breaking for you all. Your Mom was the sweetest lady and always made me feel special and welcome when I was around her! I am so glad I had the chance to visit with her a couple weeks ago at Jasmine’s birthday. Her smile was infectious and she was such a breath of fresh air! She had so much love for her kids and grandkids – you could just tell how proud she was of them all! Praying for you all to find strength and peace in the days ahead.
Michelle Gamble says
So sad to hear of this. Prayers and peace be with you.
Michelle Hubbert Gamble
Barry and Del LInda says
To all of Jeannine’s family, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, Jeannine was a very wonderful lady and a very special person. She will be deeply missed by all.
Arlen miller says
jere and family, Our hearts go out to you all. She was a very special lady. Enjoyed visiting with her when she was at school. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Lon and Vicki Reukauf says
Jere, Jade, Jasmine, Jordy, Jerett and families,
We were so very saddened to hear that Jeannine passed way. She loved her family so much! She was such a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend. The quality of our school system was boosted by her dedication to her students over many years. Our hearts are hurting with yours, and we are sending prayers for comfort beyond all understanding.
Ron and Julie Hauck says
Jere and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Kyle and Lynze Franko says
Freiboth family,
We are so very sorry to learn that Mrs. Freiboth passed away. We are thinking of you during this difficult time of your loss.
Tim and Diane says
So sorry to hear of Jeannine’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Barb and Jerry Smalis says
So sorry to hear of Jeannine’’s passing. Our hearts are heavy as we pray for you all during this difficult time.
Arlene Morast says
What a shock! My thoughts and prayers for comfort and strength during this very difficult time go out to all the family. She was such a wonderful person. With deepest sympathy.
Myrna Kogele says
Dear Jere, Jade, Jasmine, Jordy, Jerett and families,
Our hearts cannot believe you have lost your beloved wife and mother. She was a great, caring teacher and wonderful person. Praying for you all, she will really be missed.
Michele Steyh says
So sorry for your loss. She was a very sweet and wonderful 3rd grade teacher for me, she will be greatly missed.
Marty and Jeanette O'Dea says
Jere and family. Our deepest sympathy at your loss. Jeannine was like family to me,what a huge loss to the community. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Our love to you and your family.
Sandi Frank Kastner says
Thoughts and prayers go out to the Frieboth family. I will always remember her beautiful smile.
Scott and Natasha Christofferson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. She will be dearly missed. Sending hugs!
Mia Haas says
One of my favorite teachers. Prayers for the family.
Sandie Waldo Viall says
OH how sad and shocking to see this! So many memories of this friend and classmate. Jere and family, please know Jeanine will live on in the hearts and thoughts of the many people she touched. With a heavy heart I send condolences.
Janet Klein says
Jere and family…you are in my thoughts and prayers. Life seems to go by in an instant when we lose a loved one who is much too young to leave us. Please know that I am thinking and praying for your comfort in this difficult time…
James Liles says
Dear Jere & family, Our sincere sympathy on the loss of Jeanine. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim & Mary Ann Liles
Gregg Meidinger says
Jere and family, I was shocked to see on Facebook that
Jeannine had passed away. I trust God almighty will
Give you comfort during this difficult time. Praying for you ,.
Tom & Bernice Buckingham says
Jere & Family,
We wish you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Phyllis Ler Engle says
Jere and Family, I’d followed you and your family on facebook and truly envied your close family.
You are in my prays and thoughts.
Lynn Anderson says
Jere and Family,
I was saddened to hear of Jeannine’s passing. She was such a sweet lady with a beautiful smile. I know how much she loved her family. May God give you comfort and peace during this difficult time. My prayers are with you and your family.
Lori Stepper says
Jere and family,
I was shocked when I heard about Jeannine. She was always the kindest person I knew. I will remember her beautiful smile. May God give you peace and I will keep you in my prayers.
Janice Kaul says
Jere & Family, So, so sorry to hear this about Jeannine. She was a great caring person. My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Robyn Hood says
Freiburg family,
So sorry for your loss. Always loved spending time during baseball season. She truly was a wonderful lady. Prayers for your family. Terry and Robyn Hood and family
Jean Trask Brown says
Jere and family,
Heaven has gained another angel, and what a legacy she leaves behind. So many students, and a wonderful family. My heart goes out to you, may you find peace in the hard days ahead…With Love
Keylee Canen says
Freiboth Family,
So sorry to hear this. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We will always have fond memories of our baseball years together.
Robert & Keylee Canen & family
Delite & Darren says
So enjoyed going to games and cheering the kids on with Jeannine. She will be missed in this community and so sorry for your loss.
Carol Brubaker Larsen says
Dear Jere and family,
What a shock this week. I am so sorry to hear about Jeannie .
She was a great teacher and friend Love to you all, Carol Larsen
Darrell and Linda Sackman says
Jere and family
We are shocked to hear of Jeannine’s passing. Our hearts are heavy with sorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tasha powell says
To the Freiboth family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ben and Tasha Powell
Ken n Karen Strobel says
Jere, we were shocked to hear this. What a wonderful person she was. You and your family are in our prays.
Ross Irene Gumm says
Jere and family. So very sorry to hear of this sad news. Many memories of Jeannine as a good friend and teacher. And of you all growing up in Terry. My heart goes out to you all! God be with you and grant you comfort in the days ahead. Prayers and love to you all. ? Irene Gumm
Elmer and Avis Spidel says
JERE AND FAMILY. AT A TIME LIKE WORDS FAIL , WE SEND YOU OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES, MAY THE LORD COMFORT YOU IN THIS TME, WE PRAY FOR YOU.
Judy Hubing Nerud says
Jere and family,
My deepest condolences to you and your children. So many good memories of Jeannine, especially the fun we had on our motorcycles. It was great when she came to live on our side of town. So sorry for your loss.
Cheryl Stevenson says
Prayers to her family an so sorry for your loss.
Tara Skaar says
Jere and family,
How sad to hear of Jeannine’s passing. She was so kind to her “country cousins” when we were children. My sister and I would be invited to spend a week in the summers with Roy and Margie and Jeannine would graciously put up with us and let us tag along with her. Many happy memories.
Prayers for all her family. I know she will be deeply missed.
Aletta & Randy Shannon says
So sorry to hear this! Thoughts and prayers to all her family and close friends.
Amy (Tague) Lancaster says
This is such sad news, and I wish I could be there to help celebrate Mrs. Freiboth’s life. She will forever be one of my favorite teachers. I will never forget her kind-hearted spirit and reading us “Charlotte’s Web” and “Where the Red Fern Grows.” My heart goes out to all of you.
Mark & Donna Underberg says
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sandi Waldo says
So very sorry to learn of Jeanine’s sudden passing. We had a lot of fun while attending MSU Billings where I knew her as “Smitty”. It was easy to be her friend for sure. I especially treasure the memory of her being one of my bridesmaids. She was sweet and kind and will certainly be missed. I am praying for God’s comfort during this difficult time
Jason and Bonnie Higgins says
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers and may God grant you peace. Jeanine was a great person and teacher and will be missed.
Bernie and Kim Rakes says
We are so saddened to here about Jeanine’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
Valda Haidle Jones says
I am at a loss for words during this sorrowful time. Please know that I am thinking of you and praying for peace and comfort.
Darlene L Strobel says
I find it hard to believe! We had many great visits over the last 40-some years. She was a special friend so I share your loss and know how much you are hurting. May God give you strength and understanding in these difficult times and in the years ahead!
Love,
Darlene
Jane Huber says
Jere and family, so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers! God’s Blessings for comfort!
Ruth Peck says
Jere and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. May the Lord wrap his arms around you and give you comfort during this difficult time.
Kim Stanton says
Dear Freiboth Family,
I was deeply shocked and saddened to read Jeannine had passed away. I was fortunate to have worked with her on curriculum projects and spend time with her when I was working with teachers at the school. Thinking of all the children’s lives she touched, the students she taught to read, the papers corrected—and all while being a loving, devoted mother and wife. What a lady —she left us much too soon. I am so thankful to have known her. Praying for you all today and in the coming days.
With heartfelt condolences,
Kim Stanton
Candy Loehding says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Jeanine’s family’s day friends. We knew her when she was in high school and I was delighted to see her at a ball game in Ekalaka not long ago! She was that same beautiful person. So sorry for your loss…
Candy and Bill Loehding
Brent and Sonja (Martin) Sutton says
So sorry to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
April Curry Potter says
Jere and family, I am so sorry to hear the news of Jeannine’s passing. We were best buddies during our Freshman and Sophomore years of high school. Her smile lit a room. We giggled together at sleepovers st her house, and at times when we were supposed to be solemn Rainbow girls. Seeing her again at a class reunion gathering was a highlight. I could see her joy when speaking of her family. I’m so sad to hear of the loss of this beautiful woman. She lived so well.
Barb Hinnaland says
Jere and family, I am so very saddened to hear of Jeannine’s passing. She was beautiful, inside and out. I will always remember her warm smile, ready laugh and truly kind spirit. She gave so much to the community and will be missed by all who knew her. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.