Jeanne Eleanor Castberg

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(Aug. 17, 1934 - Oct. 13, 2014)

Jeanne Castberg’s earthly journey ended in Billings, Mont., on Oct. 13, 2014, when she was called to join her Lord. She was 80.

Born in Billings, on Aug. 17, 1934, Jeanne joined a sister, Georganne, and parents, Bill and Ruth Northrup in Cody. The family moved frequently from one railroad town to another until settling in Casper, where Jeanne graduated from Natrona County High School in 1952.

Jeanne received her B.A. and M.Ed. degrees from the University of Wyoming. She married James Castberg in September 1955 and became an Air Force wife, moving frequently for the next four years. In Laramie and Powell, Jeanne taught first grade, eventually working for Northwest College and School District No 1 to coordinate a new cooperative community education program between the two institutions.

Jim and Jeanne divorced in 1985. In 1986, she was named associate dean for continuing education at Northwest College, a position she held until 1989. Jeanne moved to Billings in 1991 and worked several places including West Tech Supply, Northwest Fixture Company, Habitat for Humanity and The Yellowstone County Council on Aging.

A member of First Presbyterian Church, Jeanne enjoyed volunteering for church activities and frequently said that her church life was responsible for her faith becoming deeper and more meaningful. Pastor Dave gave her the nickname, “The Flower Lady.” Jeanne took care of all the outside flowers around the church.

Jeanne was a “Rides” driver for the Yellowstone County Council on Aging, providing transportation for other senior citizens. One of her greatest joys was helping others in whatever way she could. Two highlights of her life were a hot air balloon ride she took with her son Bill and a month-long trip to New Zealand and Sydney, Australia. She enjoyed traveling with her sister and brother-in-law for several years, and taking trips with her granddaughter, Amanda, in the summertime.

In 2008, her first book, “Wyoming Legacy,” was published, and her second book, “Montana Potluck” was published in 2010, and she realized a life-long dream of being a “published author.” At the time of her death, she was writing a third book.

Jeanne is survived by her daughter Ann; a son, Bill; a granddaughter, Amanda Jean; (Ian Fuller husband); a great-grandson, Mason Fuller, great-granddaughter Sophie Ann Fuller, and many other relatives. Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents, an infant daughter, Julie, and her sister Georganne Propp.

Jeanne also wanted to give special thanks to Jeremiah O’Neill for taking such great care of her the last four months of her life.

A celebration of Jeanne’s life will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Billings on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 10 a.m.  Cremation and Funeral Gallery is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Billings or the Adult Resource Alliance of Yellowstone County.

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