Jean L. (Bunny) Hansen

Jean L. (Bunny) Hansen, 89, died peacefully at her home in Billings, Montana on Friday afternoon, February 6, 2015.

Bunny is survived by her children John (Hans) and Maribeth Hansen, Joe and Patty Hansen, Pete Hansen, Joan and John Jacobsen; her AFS children Ervin Schiele and Annette Koingberg Behm; and her grandchildren Luke and Tess Hansen; Patrick, Kate, and Annie Hansen; Charlie and Maggie Jacobsen. She is also survived by many loved cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Bunny was predeceased by her husband John L. Hansen on February 24, 2000.

Bunny was born September 15, 1925 in Buffalo, NY, the only child of George L. Lenham and Bertha Nutting Lenham. Her father died when she was two. Bunny grew up on the Elkhorn Ranch in the Gallatin Canyon. She received her secondary education at the Annie Wright School in Tacoma, Washington and graduated with a degree in Home Economics from Montana State University in 1947. She was a lifelong member of the AOPi Sorority.

Bunny and John were married at Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church in West Yellowstone, Montana on September 30, 1950. Early in their marriage they lived in numerous locations in California, Idaho, Wyoming and South Dakota as John served a Korean War recall and worked on highway construction projects for Peter Kiewit Sons’. In 1962 they moved to Billings to become partners in COP Construction Co.

After college Bunny worked as a Registered Dietician at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. In 1966 she became the initial cafeteria manager at Will James Middle School in Billings, a position she shared with her close friend Gloria Cooper, and managed there for many years.

Bunny’s life and home were always full of much love and laughter as she shared, supported and guided her husband, children, family and friends in their busy lives. Some of her favorite activities included traveling, camping, snow skiing, spending time at Big Sky and MSU Bobcat Football. She was very fond of her many friends of St. Thomas Parish.

Funeral Mass and Services will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, February 11 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 2055 Woody Drive, Billings. Vigil Services will be held at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave, Billings on Tuesday, February 10 at 7:00 pm. Visitation on Monday and Tuesday at Michelotti-Sawyers.

Bunny would ask that memorial donations be sent to the Diocesan Priests’ Retirement Fund, Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, Box 1399, Great Falls MT 59403.

Her family is thankful for all the love, care, and support of her Synergy caregivers and the St. Thomas Parish community.