Jessie Fay McEntire passed away on Oct. 27, 2013, at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital in Hamilton.

She was born in Idabel, Okla., on July 9, 1923, to Lee and Cindy Bivins.  Her four sisters and four brothers affectionately called her “Sister.”

In 1940, she married Alfred McEntire and they had four children together, Steve, Linda and twin boys, Danny and Stanley. After living in several states, they settled in the Bitterroot Valley in 1959 where she resided until her death.

In 1965, Stanley was injured in a logging accident rendering him a quadriplegic. Jessie cared for him for 26 years while simultaneously working at the Valley View Nursing Home. Her positive and loving attitude encouraged all, especially Stanley as he became an internationally recognized artist for his oil paintings created by holding a brush in his mouth.

After breaking her hip, Jessie moved into the Bitterroot Manor and resided there for many years before moving into the Discovery Care Centre in 2010. She loved playing bingo and other games with her fellow residents. Her friends and family enjoyed her vivid recollection of major historical events that she personally experienced, such as the Dust Bowl and World War II. Her interest in current events and politics never wavered; she read the newspaper or watched the news every day.  

Jessie loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends and was proud of each of them. She was truly a “grand” lady in all ways and will be remembered for her loving, caring and giving heart, along with her wonderful sense of humor.

Jessie was preceded in death by her son, Stanley, and grandson, David.

She is survived by son, Steve McEntire, and wife, Mary; daughter, Linda Springer, and husband, Pete; son, Danny McEntire, and wife Diane; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jessie is also survived by her loving roommate, Marian Walker.

Jessie’s family wishes to thank the staff of Discovery Care Centre for their outstanding care of our mother and grandmother. She loved living at the Centre and it was comforting for our family knowing she was in such a good home.

Visitation will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton. Interment will take place at Riverview Cemetery, with a reception immediately following at the chapel.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com

Memorials may be sent to the “Discovery Care Centre Activity Fund” at 601 N. 10th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840.