Jean Harston Wardell

April 2, 1937 – Jan. 2, 2025

Jean Harston Wardell, 87, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2025, in Lovell surrounded by her loving family. 

Jean was born on April 2, 1937, in Cowley to James and Opal Harston. She grew up in a close-knit family with her siblings Lee, Phil and Ann. After graduating from Cowley High School in 1955, she continued her education at Billings Business College.

Jean married Lee Wardell on June 26, 1958, and together they built a beautiful life centered on family and hard work. She devoted herself to raising their six children, Mel, Lynn, Mark, Jeff, Bryan and Janice. Jean’s legacy of love and dedication lives on through her 20 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, each of whom she cherished deeply.

Throughout her life, Jean wore many hats. She drove beet trucks for George and Maxine Wambeke during a few campaigns, worked in the school lunchroom, served as a bookkeeper for Minchow’s Service and worked at the local canning factory. Above all, she considered her role as a mother and homemaker her greatest calling. Known for her strength, determination and spunk, Jean was a pillar of love and support to her family and many others in the community.

Jean had a remarkable gift for making others feel welcome. Her signature whistle could summon the entire neighborhood to dinner, where her kitchen became the heart of many gatherings. Affectionately nicknamed “Mean Jean,” her spirited personality was matched only by her deep compassion and devotion to those around her.

Jean’s talents and hobbies were many. She sewed personalized Christmas stockings, crocheted beautiful blankets, canned garden vegetables and shared her love of reading with those around her. She especially treasured her time at the Wardell hunting camp, where she was always in the thick of the action. Her CB radio call sign, “The Blonde Bomber,” became a symbol of her vibrant and adventurous spirit, leaving behind treasured memories her family will carry forever.

A faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jean served in various callings and uplifted her community through her kindness and example. Her unwavering testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ was a cornerstone of her life, providing her with strength and guidance.

Jean is joyfully reunited in heaven with her parents, James and Opal, siblings Phil and Ann, husband Lee, daughter Lynn and great-grandson Simon.

Jean is survived by her brother, Lee; children Mel (Shawna), Mark, Jeff (Karen), Bryan (Cheryl) and Janice; 20 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. 

Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 10, at 2 p.m. at the LDS Church in Lovell. Burial will follow in the Cowley Cemetery. The family invites all who loved Jean to join in celebrating her remarkable life.

Jean’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported and loved her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience and faith that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. Jean was deeply loved and will forever be remembered as a blessing to her family and community.