Jean Lorenz 1924 ~ 2023

Irma Jean Barnett-Lorenz, age 99 of Hamilton, Montana, passed away at home on November 3, 2023. 

Jean, who always went by Jean, never Irma, was born September 10,1924 in Anaconda, Montana to Elmer and Mary Barnett. Jean graduated high school in Anaconda. During World War Two, Jean married Ray Lorenz, of Opportunity, Montana, in San Francisco; who at the time was in the Navy. When Ray got out of the navy in August of 1946, Ray and Jean moved back to Anaconda where their first daughter Donna Rae and later daughter Carey Jean were added to the family. 

In 1950, Ray decided to go to college at Bozeman. So the small family of four moved to Bozeman while Ray studied for his degree in Electrical engineering. Jean worked with other wives who also were putting their husbands through college. Jean designed the first “PHT Degree” – Putting Hubby Through. The woman’s group proudly had their own graduating ceremony, upon which each woman whose husband was graduating was awarded this PHT Degree; which Ray was as proud of as his own degree. 

In 1954, Ray accepted a job in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where their daughters Peggy Sue and and Debra Joy were added to the family. After five years in Minneapolis, Ray accepted a job in Southern California, where the family lived until Ray retired. At that time they returned to Montana and settled in Hamilton, Montana, where Jean’s family history goes back five generations. Both Ray and Jean are official members of Montana’s Pioneer Families.

Jean was an excellent horse-woman and along with her parents and brothers were founders, builders, and long time members of the Anaconda Saddle Club. Jean was a very creative person: decorating cakes, seamstress, and jewelry, working both with gold and silver. Jean loved dancing and both she and Ray were active in Red Ribbons Square Dance Club in Southern California, and Boots and Calico Square Dance Club in Hamilton, Montana. 

Jean was proceeded in death by her husband Ray and her four brothers Keith, Arnold, Leo and Jim.

Jean is survived by her sister in law Frieda Barnett; Her daughter Donna-Rae Hicks and her husband Dennis of Hamilton; their three children Michael, Cami, & Kelli; and six of Jean’s great grandchildren. 

Her daughter Carey Jean Caron of Boise ID, and her four children Keefan, Mindy-Jay, Caolan, and Shawnathan. And six of Jean’s great grandchildren.

Her daughter Peggy Sue McDermott and husband Patrick of Culver City, CA and their three sons Kyle, Brandon, and Rory; and three of Jean’s great grandchildren. 

Her daughter Debra Joy Mc Dermott and husband James of Boise, ID; their two children Amy and Greg; and six of Jean’s great grandchildren. 

Also by many beloved nieces and nephews. 

Jean’s Memorial service will be held at Daly Leach Memorial Chapel, 1010 Main St. Hamilton, MT on Friday, July 12, 2024 at 2:00 in the afternoon. Son in law Dennis Hicks will be officiating.