Jean Palmer Martello, 96
Jean Palmer Martello, 96, passed away peacefully in the arms of her husband, John on July 14, 2018.
Jean was born on July 2, 1922, in Portis, Kansas. She was the seventh of 10 children born to Janie and George Palmer. She grew up on the family farm in Kansas and attended school in a one room schoolhouse. Jean completed high school in Kansas and moved to Montana with several siblings. She lived with them while working at the Union Bank in Helena. A coworker and friend introduced her to John Martello who was home on leave from the Army. They met on main street in Helena, had a date that evening which led to a year long courtship and eventual marriage on June 14, 1944. John and Jean were married for 74 years.
During the early years of their marriage they owned Martello’s Root Beer Stand in Helena. Years later they built and operated the Hofbrau Bar and Restaurant also in Helena. While managing the Hofbrau they worked full time at Fort Harrison Veterans Hospital. Jean was a medical secretary that worked in the radiology and surgical departments. She was an active member of the Daughters of the Nile and the Oriental Band. Through this organization she focused on community service and helping children at the Shriners Hospitals.
Jean retired from the Veterans Hospital and enjoyed 30 years as a “snow bird.” traveling back and forth between Arizona and Montana. After retiring, she became an accomplished golfer and on six different occasions scored a hole-in-one. Jean enjoyed life, family and friends. She took care of everyone’s needs, often setting her own aside. She had boundless energy and a great sense of humor. Her children and grandchildren were the pride and joy of her life. The legacy of Jean’s kind spirit and zest for life will be carried on through them. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Janie and George Palmer; and son, Jeffrey Martello.
She is survived by her husband, John, of Kalispell; daughter, Janie Perkins (Thomas Roe Perkins), of Whitefish; grandchildren, Drew (Desiree) and their son Kashton Perkins of Benton City, Washington, and Amy Perkins of Bozeman. She is survived by two sisters, Jessie Nick and Wanda Williams; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 21, at Buffalo Hill Terrace in the Buffalo Room.
Friends are encouraged to visit the website www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.