Cathy Jean Bear

Cathy Jean Bear, age 62, made her journey to the Big Sands on April 18, 2026, in Havre, Montana, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 2, 1964, in Seattle, Washington, to Gerald and Sara Standfill. She attended Rainier Beach High School, graduating in 1981. In 1983, she welcomed her first child, Anthony. In 1988, she met Robert, the love of her life, and together they welcomed their children: Bobbie Jean in 1990, Robert in 1991, and the twins, Raven and Nicholas, in 1995. In September of 1996, they married and moved to Dodson, Montana, where they built a life rooted in love.

Cathy made her journey after a long and hard-fought battle with ovarian cancer, following her diagnosis in June 2022. Throughout her illness, she showed remarkable strength, resilience, and grace. In her final moments, she was surrounded by her husband, her children, and extended family—just as she had always been surrounded by love.

Cathy’s impact reached far beyond her home. She was deeply involved in communities along Montana’s Hi-Line and taught in three school districts throughout her career. She was more than an educator—she was a mentor, a steady presence, and a source of encouragement for countless students. Her relationships with those she taught were truly one of a kind. Cathy cared deeply about her students, supporting them not only in the classroom but in their lives beyond it. You could always find her either at school with her “adoptive school kids”—as they were like her second set of children—or spending time with her own children and grandchildren. She cherished her family deeply and was always present, attending their events and supporting them in everything they did. Her kindness, patience, and unwavering belief in others left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Cathy was a proud and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Robert Bear; her children, Bobbie Jean Dolphay (Mitchel), Robert Bear III, Raven Jaynes (Jamie), and Nicholas Bear; and her cherished grandchildren, Exavier Bear, Isaac Bear, Mazie Dolphay, Madalie Dolphay, Max Dolphay, Saylor Jaynes, Stetson Jaynes, Slater Jaynes, and Connor Bear. Her sister Tammara Standfill and brother David Standfill and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Torchy Matte.

She was preceded in death by her son, Anthony Bear; parents, Gerald and Sara Standfill; sister, Sara and brother Jason; father-in-law, Bobby Bear; uncle, James Elkins; granddaughter, Riley Bear; niece, Echo Johnson; and her dear friend, Jana Hansen.

She will be remembered for her generous spirit, her dedication to helping others, and the love she gave so freely to her family, friends, and students. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew her.

A wake will be held on Friday, April 24th at 6:00 p.m. at the Harlem High School Gymnasium. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, April 25th at 11:00 a.m., with burial to follow at the Bear-Matte Cemetery in Dodson. A meal will be held at Harlem High School immediately following the burial.

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