Irene Rose Moore Gonder

Irene (Sissy) Rose Moore Gonder peacefully and gracefully passed away on January 3, 2013 in Bremerton, WA. She was born on Sept. 24, 1928 in Tokio, ND. As a young child she survived tuberculosis and attended a Native American boarding school in South Dakota. As a young woman she moved to Butte, MT where she lived for many years and always considered it to be her hometown. She eventually moved to Livingston, MT and later in life moved to Port Orchard, WA to be with her sister. She will always be remembered for her good cooking, her beautiful hand sewn quilts, her bountiful gardens, her pet animals, and her nomadic spirit. Everyone that had the honor of meeting her deeply respected her knowledge and wisdom and admired her for her hardworking endurance and independence. She survived many obstacles and hardships but her children always came first. She was protective of her children and grandchildren. Irene was a warm hearted, beautiful soul that was the center of the universe for her family. She is deeply missed and will forever be remembered in our memories, hearts and souls.

At the time of her passing she was the matriarch of five generations which will be her everlasting legacy. Irene is preceded in death by her daughters Danna Ford, Debbie Jetty, Gina MacAuley; a granddaughter Jamie Rose Jetty; her brothers and sisters Rex, Ed, Patrick, Helen, Grace, and Gary. She is survived by her children Linda Jetty of Ft. Totten, ND, Maggie (Reggie) Siers of Whitefish, MT, Elaine (Stephen) Matlow of Livingston, MT, John Scott Jetty of Bozeman, MT, James Dean Jetty of Ft. Totten, ND, Myra Lee Kingbird of Bremerton, WA, Melanie Gonder Woods of New York, NY; 27 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; 10 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place at Washington and private memorial services will be held by family in Livingston, MT.