Jean McDaniel was born June 28, 1931, in Miles City, Montana, to Otto and Elsie (Crider) Freeman. She passed away March 19th, 2024, in Hood River, Oregon, at the age of 92.
In 1948, Jean graduated from Custer County High School in Miles City.
She married James C. Bastian, with whom she had three children.
The family lived on a ranch in the Pine Hills near Miles City, then Colorado and South Dakota.
Following divorce, Jean married Jack McDaniel and returned to Miles City in 1962. They divorced in 1966.
She worked for Beacon Carter, the Veteran’s Administration Hospital, and the Social Security Administration. Her 30 years working as a claims representative for the SSA included offices in Miles City, Dickinson, North Dakota, Klamath Falls, Oregon, and Pendleton, Oregon.
Following retirement, Jean worked as a receptionist for Professional Services in Pendleton.
In 2006, she moved to Hood River and volunteered at May Street Elementary School, serving in the SMART reading program for several years.
Jean enjoyed gardening and grew beautiful flowers and vegetables. She was an avid canner; it was a skill she learned from her mother. Jean studied oil painting and gifted her quality paintings to family members. “Gigi” was always present at family gatherings and delighted in watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in their various activities. Jean loved to travel. Visiting family
provided her with the opportunity to travel all over the country and enjoy many new adventures.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, brother James Freeman, and sister Thelma May (Freeman) White, all of Miles City.
Jean is survived by a son, James C. Bastian Jr. and his wife Janet (Reid) of Miles City, Montana; daughter, Cheryl Lynn (Larry) Madsen of Hood River, Oregon; and daughter, Terry Jean (Roger “Rock”) Gullickson of Boring, Oregon; granddaughter, Shelby (Travis) Prichard of Turner, Oregon; grandson, Chad (Emily) Madsen of Astoria, Oregon; and great-grandchildren, Rylee, Josie, Carson, Daphne, Griffin and Luca.
Graveside services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Custer County Cemetery in Miles City.
Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels or Wake Up & Lace Up. (Meals on Wheels c/o Hood River Valley Adult Center, 2010 Sterling Place, Hood River, OR 97031 or Wake Up & Lace Up, 107 Balsam Dr. Miles City, MT 59301.)
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday March 30, 2024
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday March 30, 2024
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Pam (Moths) Nisley & Dave Nisley says
Oh dear family!
Big hugs and prayers for comfort in this huge loss!!
I have many warm memories of your sweet mother! It is so hard to let them go…..
29 years ago our momma left this earth, this same time of year. Imagine all the reunions 🙂 With our faith in Jesus, we can again be together ❤️. Much love!!!
Roberta Schulz says
Jim, Sherri and Terry,
Though the past few years have been a struggle for all of you, I’ll always remember the wonderful times we spent together mostly visiting and laughing and sharing her wonderful canned brandied peaches. My sympathy to you and your families. Much love.
Berta
Bill Moths and Family says
Jim, Cheryl, Terry and Families;
No words I can write here can fill the emptiness left by the loss of your loved one. But I hope the memories of her beautiful warm smile will help ease the grief and sorrows of us left behind as Jean passes into the loving arms of Jesus. Unfortunately we will not be able to attend the services for Jean in person, but our thoughts and prayers will be with you all.
Nancy & Dennis Wamsley says
Sherri, Terry, and Jim,
We were so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. It is hard to imagine life without someone who meant so much, but I hope your memories of happy times together will be a comfort to you. You are all in our thoughts.
Betty E. Anderson says
Thinking of you all as you take Jean back home to Miles City. She had a wonderful life with such loving family support for over 90 years. Now it is time to celebrate a life well lived. We send our love and support to you as you take her to her final resting place. Betty and Jim Anderson and family