Jill Ellen Wright

Jill Ellen Wright, 55, of Darby, died peacefully in her sleep Friday, March 12, at her home.

She was born in 1960, in Moline, Ill, a daughter of Judith and Robert Wright. On August 27, 1977, in Conner, she married Michael Steele, who survives.

Jill died after a long struggle with illness and had only recently returned to Darby from Quail Valley, Calif.  She had longed to move back to Montana’s Bitterroot Valley and did so shortly before her death.  She enjoyed working in the banking industry.

Jill took great pleasure in gardening, raising both vegetables and flowers that brought joy to herself and those close to her.  She loved dogs and cats and was known for her kindness and love for animals.  She was particularly happy decorating and cooking for the holidays and large family gatherings.  Her proudest title, above all, was that of mother.

Surviving are her ex-huband, Mike, of Darby; her mother, Judith Nielsen, of Payson, Ariz.; her step-father, William Varble, of Medford, Ore.; two brothers, Robert Wright, of Payson, Ariz., and Christopher Wright, of Quail Valley, Calif.; a sister, Elizabeth Garrett, of Dallas, Texas; and two sons, Rex Steele, of Spokane, Wash., and Curtis Steele, of Quail Valley, Calif.  She was preceded in death by a brother, William Varble, of Quail Valley, Calif.

She will also be dearly missed by her extended family including Rachel Wright, Kevin Wright and Steven Wright, all of Payson, Ariz.; and numerous cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by a niece, Julia Wright, of Payson, Ariz.

A celebration of life with family and friends will take place in Darby at a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Bitter Root Humane Association.