Jean's Obituary
Jean Cameron (Scott) Dybdal left this world in peace surrounded by her family on December 7, 2023. She was 81 years old.
Born in Newburgh, NY on February 10, 1942, to William Clement and Susan Louise (Cameron) Scott, Jean lived a life characterized by love, resilience, and family. She was the youngest of three siblings and attended Colby-Sawyer College in New Hampshire, where she met her first husband, Jock F. Warden of Great Falls, MT. After marrying, Jean and Jock lived in San Francisco before moving to Great Falls in 1963, where she brought her New York charm and wit with much love for her adopted state.
Following her initial marriage, which brought her four children, Jean married the love of her life, Elliott L. Dybdal. Together they created a blended family whose eight kids became the focal point of their lives. They continued to be a source of comfort and passion that sustained Jean after the loss of Elliott in 2003.
From an early age, Jean’s dream was to be a caring and loving mother. She was CFO (Chief Family Officer) who led with a loving, non-judgmental, and no-nonsense approach. As her family expanded with spouses and grandchildren, she embraced everyone with love and acceptance. She earned the endearing title of "Grandy," an affectionate name that would spread well beyond her immediate family. The Grandy hotline was always open.
Jean also had a lifelong commitment to her community. She led the local effort by the Junior League of Great Falls to save Paris Gibson Square and convert it into a local community arts center. She was also an active volunteer for the Maclean-Cameron Animal Adoption Center’s Fur Ball and the Great Falls Ad Club. She and her late husband Elliott volunteered for the C.M. Russell Museum and were patrons of the Western art community. Jean was also an active big sister in Big Brothers & Sisters and cherished her time with Crystal Trueluck, her little sister.
After her first marriage, she entered the professional workforce, becoming a real estate agent at the Cogswell Agency. Her favorite job was working at Studio 111/Studio Montage where she loved her role in guest services. To this day, much of her social circle and many of her closest friends are the staff, stylists, and clients that frequented these businesses.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Elliott; and her sister, Margaret (Scott) Lamont.
Jean is survived by her eight children, Leslie (Paul Standen) Dybdal of Missoula, MT; William Todd (Jackie) Warden of San Luis Obispo, CA, Laura (Maria Gurreri) Dybdal of Missoula, Liz (Kevin O’Neal) Dybdal of Missoula, Susan (John) Boettcher of Eugene, OR, Lee Dybdal of Missoula, Andrew (Emily) Warden of Sammamish, WA, and Chris (Lori) Warden of Missoula: along with her fifteen grandchildren, Benjamin Warden, Rachel O’Neal, Emma (Spencer) Standen, Rachel Warden, Elliott Standen, Alexandra Warden, Cameron Roberts, Isabelle Warden, Mari Rizzuto, Alexander Warden, William Warden, Finley Warden, William Ashton Warden, Jack Tallman Williams, and Bennie Tallman Williams; and her dog, Cowboy. She is also survived by her brother, William “Bill” (Cindy) Scott, of New York City. Despite living across the country from each other, she cherished their close relationship and appreciated the care he always showed for his little sister.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the wide network of friends and caregivers who supported Jean including Carol and the late Don Ennen, Mary Ann McMillen, Carla Smith, Lonnie Mauseth, Diane Tank and Melanie Lattin. They also extend their thanks to the staff at Benefis Hospital and her other doctors who provided her with excellent medical care and emotional support over the years and in her final moments.
A private remembrance for the family is being planned. A local remembrance event is being considered in Great Falls this winter. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Maclean-Cameron Animal Adoption Center in honor of Jean and her menagerie of furry friends.
