Jennie Ailine Lingle was born to Earl Lingle and Ruth Thompson Lingle on June 12, 1926 at Bonin, Montana in McCone County. She was born at home and grew up on the plains of eastern Montana riding horseback, attending country-dances and obtaining her education. She received her GED in 1981. She passed away on April 10, 2018 at the Laurel, Montana, Evergreen Health Center.
September 9, 1942 Jennie married James Robert Twitchell and made a home in McCone County near the Missouri river south of Frazer, Montana. Three boys were born to the young couple; James Bert, Ortie Earl and David D.. December 11, 1952 Jim and Jennie divorced and Jennie moved to Wolf Point, Montana.
While working at the Wolf Point Café, in 1954, she met and married Robert H. Kawasaki. Four sons were born to Jennie and Bob; Allen Roger, Jerry Robert, Casey Ray and Bryce Roy. Jennie was an active member of the First Baptist Church taught Sunday school and volunteered where needed. Bob and Jennie divorced in 2008.
Jennie lived her 91 years to the fullest. She enjoyed working at Gillette Pharmacy. She baked millions of cookies, breads and pies for open houses and farmer’s markets. Delicious meals resulted from her son’s wild game and fishing adventures. Her day care provided a loving atmosphere for many children. The Herald News published a story about Jennie’s craft business in December 24, 1981.
Her songs and poems entertained visitors at the nursing home. She spoke of the kindness of the nursing home staff and could be heard to say, “Talk is cheap but it takes money to buy whiskey,” or, her favorite, “I love coffee, I love tea, I love my boys and my boys love me.”
Jennie is survived by her sister Elsie. Her brother Bert and sisters Eleanor, Margaret, Ella and Cecil preceded her in death. She is survived by her seven sons; Bert (Linda) Twitchell, Ortie (Jane) Twitchell, Dave (Darlene) Twitchell, Allen Kawasaki, Jerry Kawasaki, Casey (Connie) Kawasaki and Bryce Kawasaki as well as, Janet, a special roommate and friend at the nursing home. Several grandchildren, great grandchildren and one great great grandchild knew her love and share special memories.
A viewing will be held from 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel. The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Wolf Point, Montana.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences can be sent to the family by using the form below.