Jessie Maneely

Jessie passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 25, 2016 surrounded by her family after a long battle with Alzheimers.Jessie was born to Edwin and Emily Kempf on November 8, 1924 in Utica, Montana. She was raised on the family ranch along with her two older sisters, Hazel and Lois. She would milk the cows, bale the hay, tend to the horses and chickens, and much more. She was one of the hardest workers you would ever meet and was by far her fathers best ranch hand. She attended the Sapphire Grade School (a true one room school house) and graduated from Hobson High School in 1941 at the age of 16. Jessie was an extremely bright student and thus bypassed several grade levels. Jessie and her sister, Lois were a favorite singing duo at local events and her dance card was never empty. Jessie came to Great Falls after high school to attend the Great Falls Commercial College where she earned her degree in Accounting/Bookkeeping. After earning her degree, Jessie was employed by Northern School Supply, Bison Motor Co., and other auto dealers.In the summer of 1941, Jessie met James H. Maneely, thanks to her cousin, Fred Strause bringing James up to the ranch. Jim knew right away that she was the one for him. After Jim finished his service in WWII, Jessie and Jim were married on December 29, 1946 in Great Falls. They lived for a time in Kansas City, MO while Jim attended watchmakers school, but did return to Great Falls and made it their permanent home.Jessie and Jim were a dynamic duo. They built their own home in Great Falls, and a cabin in Monarch. Jessie took and active part in the construction of both homes. She could roof and lay floors with the best of them, while also providing hot coffee and delicious cookies at break time. Jessies ability to budget and manage money wisely, meant they would never have a mortgage and they were always debt free, an amazing accomplishment to say the least.Jessie and Jim were blessed with two children, Mark and Linda in 1961 and 1964, respectively. Jessie was an amazing mother who was truly involved in all aspects of her childrens life. She loved her children and would do anything for them. The love, caring, support, and wisdom she modeled to her children was invaluable. Jessie was active in the PTA, Cub Scouts, Bluebirds, Great Falls Jr. Tennis Association, and a volunteered for various fund drives, bake sales, car washes, and was the best room mother ever.Jessie was loved by all. She had zest for life, the quickest wit, and could discuss politics and world situations with the best of them. In no particular order, she enjoyed country music (especially George Jones), Montana, chocolate, a good book, dancing, and her family.Jessie was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Emily and her sisters, Lois Murphy and Hazel Stull.She is survived by her husband, James Maneely of Great Falls; son Mark Maneely of Great Falls; daughter Linda (Bill) Anderson of Sherwood, OR; 6 grandchildren, Catherine (Jim) Mertz of Great Falls, Jimmy Maneely of Colorado Springs, CO, Alex Maneely of Colorado Springs, CO, Meagan Anderson of Portland, OR, Lindsey Anderson of Seattle, WA, Nathan Anderson of Sherwood, OR; 3 great-grandchildren, Adriana and Nikala Mertz and Nicolas Maneely; nieces and nephews, Jim Murphy, Marcia Murphy, Edwin Murphy, John Murphy, John Oster, Paula Oster, Tom Shively; and cousin, Margo Smith.Thank you to Peace Hospice and all of your amazing staff and all of her loving and caring neighbors and friends.A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 12, 2016 at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.