Jean Dewey Brash Voermans, 86
Jean Dewey Brash Voermans, 86, passed away at Logan Health Medical Center on May 21, 2026, due to complications from a fall and strokes.
Jean, the youngest of three children, was born in Forman, North Dakota, to Charles and Vivian Dewey. In 1958, after a year at business college, she married Darrel G. Brash. They had two sons, Vance and Paul.
In 1966, Jean, her two sons, and her former mother-in-law, Gladys, moved to Whitefish to be near Gladys' son, Bud Brash. Bud and Lil, owners of the Blue Moon, provided family and support. Jean got a job working for a local attorney in Whitefish and parked her car in an alley. Joe Voermans ate his lunch at an establishment whose back door was in that same alley. The two crossed paths every day at lunchtime. Sparks flew and love grew. Nine months after meeting, they were married. Joe had two teenage daughters and a toddler. Jean's boys filled the age gap. By 1967, they were a family of seven.
Jean lived the remainder of her life in the Flathead Valley. She held part-time jobs but eventually became a stay-at-home wife and mother. Joe's girls were soon grown and out of the house, and the focus was on the boys. She and Joe spent many summer hours at the baseball diamonds, cheering on teams and volunteering their help. Jean joined Whitefish Presbyterian Church, sang in the choir and participated in various committees.
A move to the country and then to Columbia Falls required her to stretch herself and find new connections. Never one to abandon her faith, she found a new religious community that fulfilled a need. New roots were planted and bonds were formed. She became a board member of the Columbia Falls Senior Center.
And, of course, there was Brash Rodeo. Jean wasn't just part of Brash Rodeo — she was the heart of it for many years. As the longest-running employee, generations of people came through those gates and straight to her ticket booth. Her smile, her wit, her strength and her unmistakable presence became part of the tradition.
Unwavering in her faith and deeply devoted to her family, she is survived by her sons, Vance (Kristie) Brash and Jake (Michelle) Voermans; daughters, Judy (Dru) Willey and Jennifer (Clark) Wheeler; sister, Faunce Rand; and best friend, Marsha Voermans.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Paul Brash; brother, Jon Dewey; grandson, Jeff Willey; and husband of 54 years, Joe Voermans.
She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family also wishes to thank BeeHive Homes of Columbia Falls and Logan Health Hospice for the untiring and loving care bestowed upon their mother.
A memorial service will be held at Columbia Mortuary, 1010 North Avenue West, Columbia Falls, at 1 p.m. on June 19.
Columbia Mortuary is caring for the family.
To send online condolences, please visit Columbiamortuary.com.