Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes

Serving families in the Miles City, Forsyth, Lame Deer, Broadus, Circle, Jordan and Terry areas for three generations.

For Immediate Help Call
Miles City: 406-232-4457 — Forsyth: 406-346-2311

In Memory Of

Jeffrey G. Donnelly, age 51 of Miles City.

June 19, 1965 – October 3, 2016

Jeffrey Gerard Donnelly was born June 19, 1965 to John Donnelly Sr. and Josephine (Ruckman) Donnelly. Jeff was the 9th of their 10 children. Growing up they lived in the Yellowstone Valley outside of Miles City. At the age of 9 Jeff lost his mother to a battle with cancer, due to this loss at age 11 he and two of his siblings moved in with his eldest brother John and his wife Patsy. Jeff attended Kircher grade school until 1980 when John took a job SE of Broadus, MT. Jeff and younger brother Matt quickly became part of John and Patsy’s growing family, becoming more of a son than a brother and a brother than an uncle to their children. Jeff finished school in Broadus graduating from Powder River High School in 1984. Jeff competed in both football and wrestling during his high school career.

After high school Jeff worked for several different ranches in the Volborg area. On October 12, 1991 Jeff married Christine Streeter. He continued working on ranches in the Volborg and Ashland area until 1993 when they moved into Miles City. Jeff worked various jobs until 1995 when he opened an automotive/small engine repair shop, Donnelly Repair. The business outgrew the small shop space where he started and in 2003 he moved in to the current location in the back of the NAPA building. Along the way children Austin (1997), Ashley (2000) and Alex (2004) were born into the Donnelly household. Eventually all three would get their opportunity to help out with the family business. Anyone who stopped by his shop commented that no matter how crazy things were he always had a smile and kind word. He was an excellent mechanic and a kind soul.

Jeff somehow found time to serve on the school board for three terms. When he wasn’t working or helping a family member he found time to do the things that he and his family loved. He coached AAU wrestling starting with his eldest son Austin and then continued with youngest son Alex. On many a weekend quality time was spent searching for the perfect deer, hunting birds and calling coyotes. Jeff loved competition rifle shooting and coyote calling contests. He passed this love of hunting and the outdoors to his children.

Jeff was preceded in death by his mother, Josephine in 1974 and his father, John in 1993. He leaves behind his wife Christine, children Austin, Ashley and Alex, nine siblings: Jeanne (John) Tinnin of Kaycee, WY, John (Patsy) Donnelly of Volborg, MT, Joe (Cathy) Donnelly of Miles City, Tim (Darci) Donnelly of Miles City, Joan Spannring of Belgrade, MT, Maggie (Brian) Dice of Volborg, MT, Teri (James) Judd of Palm Dale, CA, Janie Murnion of Miles City, and Matt (Linette) Donnelly of Phillip, SD. Survivors also include many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Special nephews and niece; Patrick (Jessica) Donnelly of Bozeman, MT, Scott (Katie) Donnelly of Miles City, and Laura Donnelly (Andy White) of Butte, MT, who had the privilege of growing up with Jeff as not only a favorite uncle but also an older brother.

For reasons personal to him, on October 3, 2016 Jeff chose to leave us. The void at his home, his shop and mostly in our hearts will never be completely filled, but the best chance is to start filling it with memories and love. Family was very important to him; he loved them all as they did him.

We love you Jeff, you will not be forgotten, be at peace.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at Grace Bible Church. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.

A memorial has been setup in Jeff’s name for his family at First Interstate Bank, 1115 Main Street, Miles City, MT 59301.

Service Schedule

Celebration of Life

3:00 p.m.

Thursday November 10, 2016

Grace Bible Church

3505 Stower St.

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Luncheon

Following the funeral service.

Thursday November 10, 2016

Grace Bible Church

3505 Stower St.

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Service Schedule

Celebration of Life

3:00 p.m.

Thursday November 10, 2016

Grace Bible Church

3505 Stower St.

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Luncheon

Following the funeral service.

Thursday November 10, 2016

Grace Bible Church

3505 Stower St.

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  7. We can’t imagine what YOU’VE all been through with this tragic loss. .just know we CONTINUE to hold you all in our PRAYERS and in our hearts. .love and prayers Monte and PAT HERZOG

  9. To the entire Donnelly Family, I’m so very sorry for the passing of Jeff. please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers! Jeff will be dearly missed.

  10. To any and all of the Donnelly family if there is anything at all we can do PLEASE don’t hesitate to ask .you are all IN OUR prayers

  11. Sending our deepest sympathy and prayers to your whole family. Weare so very sorry for your loss. Our prayers will continue in the coming days and weeks.

  12. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Donnelly family. I can`t begin to imagine the pain of your loss.

    Merrilee (Moore) Campbell

  17. To each member of the Donnelly family: You have our deepest sympathy and prayers. We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our prayers for you will continue in the coming days and weeks.

  18. I can’t begin to express how sad this makes me. I hope your family has gotten some comfort from the many of us that share in your grief at his loss. he was loved & he will be missed.

  20. In my mind, Jeff is still a little boy going to Kircher School. He was always a happy, good-natured young man. My heart goes out to the DONNELLY family. I am praying that God will give you comfort and peace as you mourn your loss.

  22. To the Donnelley Family we are so sorry for your loss. we are thinking of you at this time.

  23. The family and loved ones of jeff are in our thoughts and prayers. MAY God give you comfort and peace with all your dealing with.
    Praying for you

  24. Sending prayers that you will find comfort in his strength to get you through this sad time.

  25. So sad to hear of Jeff’s passing. Our thoughts and prayer are with the family.

  26. We will pray for all of the donnelLy familys for your tragic loss of jeff very nice person

  29. We had lots of laughs at wrestling meets with jeff. ONE of our all time favorites was John’s 1st year and he was up against a girl. JEFF told john to get our there and quit dancing with her. TO this day we still giggle when we think of our 4 year old and his coach yelling “half… stop the dancing!” He was a great coach.

    We continue to keep the entire family in our thoughts and prayers and we are sorry for you loss.

  30. Thoughts and prayers that together You may find strenth, peace, and comfort in getting through thiS difficult time ??

  31. I remember jeff and the entire donnelly family at kircher school while i taught there. good kids. my thoughts with the entire family.

  34. We are thinking of the whole Donnelly family during this most difficult time. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

  35. May your memories sustain you through this very difficult time in your lives. Thoughts, hugs and prayers to the Donnelly family. Harley and Janet Klein

  36. I REMEMBER JEFF AS A LITTLE GUY AT KIRCHER. WE HAD A LOT OF FUN WITH THE FAMILY BEING NEIGHBORS. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE DONNELLY FAMILY.
    CHRISTY (SONBERG) HENDERSON

  37. Christine and family, our love and prayers go out to all of you during this time of tragic loss. I remember you as that little streeter GIRL across the creek full of life and dreams,but never thought of anything so tragic for you to go thru…….god be with you,wrapping his arms around you all as you walk through these difficult days.
    BILL & Denice HEDGES

  38. You have all been on our minds and in our prayers. Unfortunately, we are not going to make it to the memorial. Hope you can all find some peace and solice at this difficult time.

  42. tO ALL THE DONNELLEY FAMILY , oUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL mAY gOD BLESS AND COMFORT YOU ALL DURING THIS DIFFFICULT TIME AND THE DAYS AHEAD .

  43. Sending Prayers for peace and healing during this difficult time. May cherished memories bring you comfort in the days ahead.

  46. Christine and family,

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You are great neighbors, we’ll miss Jeff very much.

  47. The obituary is so beautifully written. What a wonderful loving tribute.

    Denise Harvey

  49. thoughts, prayers and sympathy to the entire donnelly family. I know there are not words that can relieve your grief and that only time will heal your hearts. I had the pleasure of going to high school with jeff. he was a great kid who turned into a great man! So sorry for your loss!

  51. dear families,

    Please accept our deepest condolences oN the loss of Jeff. Over the years he always took such great care of our mowers and vehicles. I Remember him being so friendly at the shop, with a quick turn-a-round time for rePairs, reasonable pRices, and excellent service. He did such a fine Job with that business!
    We’re sending you all prayers for peace, healing, and grace to deal with the coming days.
    With loving sympathy,
    Kim, KaseY, and Kyle Stanton

  52. May God comfort you all during this time and always. I am sad to hear of the loss of Jeff, may God comfort him and keep in close.

  53. To one of my favorite families. My heart has been so heavy for all of you. There are really no words I could write to take away your pain, but prayers have gone up for you all. I have so many wonderful memories of you all, and spent so much time as a young girl at your home, I feel like you are a part of my family. My mom and your mom were such good friends and to both pass within a year of each other is almost unbearable to think about. They were such great women and mothers. Memories of riding in the Pine Hills and killing rattlesnakes. I never took a rattle home though. Because My rear end would have been spanked. So Tim, you need to share some of those with me! Ha Ha. Please know that I am sending you my love and prayers with this little note.

  54. CHRISTINE, KIDS AND THE REST OF THE DONNELLY FAMILY,
    YOU ARE ALL IN OUR THOUGHTS, PRAYERS AND HEARTS. MAY GOD GIVE YOU COMFORT AND STRENGHT AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME.

  57. Our thoughts and prayers are with the donnelly family. I will never forget the hunting trip i had the pleasure of expEriencing with jeff, matt and tim. Our hearts are heavy with your loss.
    Thadd and tracie odonnell

  59. i hope the wonderful memories you have of jeff help ease the pain of your loss. Our Love and prayers are with you. Mauree Donnelly Deschamps

  60. to the family: may you find comfort in knowing that god is close to the brokenhearted and there will be a resurrection.
    -psalms 34:18; acts 24:15

  62. thoughts and prayers for all of you, I am so sorry for your loss. There are really no words to describe how sad i am for all of you. I remember you were a very close family. God bless you all and comfort you.

  63. Words cannot express my sadness in your loss. We were classmates in high school. Sadly time passes and distance separates, but jeff will be always be fondly remembered. God bless you all.

  64. words cannot express my sympathy in your loss. jeff was a high school classmate. unfortunately, time passes and distance separates, but jeff will always be fondly remembered. god’s blessings to all who are suffering in his loss.

  65. Dearest janie and entire Donnelly Family, There are no words to express my deepest sympathy, I’m So sorry for the loss of your beloved jeff. Wishing you all peace that will bring comfort and courage to face each day, may your loving memories of jeff forever be held in your hearts! You all are in my thoughts and prayers
    Brenda Esser koski

  66. To all the Donnelly family, I send my sympathy and prayers at this difficult time. May it get easier day by day. he is now in god’s care.

  67. To the Donnelly family – we are thinking of you – our thoughts and prayers are with you.

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