Jessie May Todd

Jessie May Todd, 89, formally of Three Forks, died at Highgate Senior Living Center in Bozeman on March 26th. 

She was born Sept. 6, 1933, at the family ranch near Whitehall, the daughter of Goodlet and Lulla Rogers. She attended grades 1-5 in Whitehall. The family moved to the Summit Valley between Cardwell and Harrison, where she graduated from the 8th grade at Cardwell School. In 1951, she graduated from Whitehall High School. During the summers and many weekends, she worked at the Harry Shaw Ranch in Cardwell.

Jessie married Tom Todd on June 10, 1951, in Whitehall. They resided in Willow Creek where they lived from 1951-2001, except for one year when they worked at the Harry Shaw Ranch.  Tom worked on the ranch, and Jessie cooked for the hired men.

Jessie was a homemaker. She stayed busy with all their children’s activities. She spent many hours sewing clothes, formals and cheerleading outfits. She made quilts for all her children and grandchildren. In April 1960, the family was baptized and joined the Willow Creek Methodist Church. Jessie was active in Ladies Aid and belonged to the Willow Creek Women’s Club.

Her great love for flowers prompted Tom to build her a greenhouse so she could grow her own.  She spent many happy hours planting seeds and nurturing plants through the years. She and Tom always raised a large garden; and after Tom retired, they sold vegetables at the Farmers’ Market in Bozeman and area stores. 

Jessie received recognition for being a U.S. Weather Observer for 20 years.

Tom and Jessie sold their Willow Creek home of 44 years and built a new home in Three Forks, moving there in Aug., 2001, just after their children had a wonderful celebration for their 50th wedding anniversary. Sadly and unexpectedly, their son, Gary, died on Oct. 30, 2001.

Jessie belonged to the Three Rivers Senior Center. She enjoyed volunteering at the Three Forks Heritage Museum and the food bank. She was a life member of the Three Forks Area Historical Society.

Jessie is survived by daughters, Paulette (Paul) Love of Custer, WA; Shirley (Scott) Lukkason of Great Falls; Beverly (Kraig) Saltness of Three Forks; daughter-in-law, Jackie Todd of Butte; sister, Francis Dellinger of Manhattan; brother, Dick Rogers of Deer Lodge; 9 grandchildren, Jason (Leeann) Todd, Jolene (Brian) Merrick, Theresa (Lloyd) Singson, Cory (Keelie) Duncan,

Nicole (Austin) Cronnelly, Kara (Erik) Norwood, Chad (Sara) Lukkason, Todd (Amanda) Lukkason, Kelli (Casey) Waldhauser; 22 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Jessie was preceded in death by her husband, Tom; son, Gary; 3 brothers, Jim, Ken and Chuck; and 2 sisters, Lulla Belle and Betty Jo.

A Memorial service to celebrate Jessie’s life will be held Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 11:00 at the K&L Funeral Home in Three Forks.

Her family would like to thank all the caregivers at Highgate Senior Living Center and Stillwater Hospice for the loving and compassionate care Jessie received.