Jill Violet Larson

Jill Violet Larson, loving daughter, businesswoman, and loyal friend, passed away Sunday morning, October 27, 2024 at Copper Ridge Care Center after dealing with numerous health issues for the last 5 months. Jill was born April 13, 1952 to William, “Swede,” and Violet (Lawrence) Larson in Butte, MT. She attended Greeley Elementary, East Middle School, and Butte High School, graduating in 1970. She talked fondly of her childhood and teenage years, which included trips to Willow Creek and Michigan with her parents, who she dearly missed, playing baseball and climbing trees with the Chatriand boys in her neighborhood, being part of the Purple Bs, and babysitting. As an adult, Jill worked various jobs at different establishments, which included: Chances R Casino, the Gold Rush Restaurant, and Insty-Prints. She also furthered her education by taking a few classes at Montana Tech. In 1997, Jill went into business for herself. She purchased Java John’s Coffee Shop on Hamilton Street in Uptown Butte. After four years, she relocated to the Park Street Mall and eventually changed the name to Java Jill’s Hideaway Cafe. Jill charmed locals and tourists alike with complete lines of gourmet coffees, teas, Italian sodas, good conversation, stories and jokes. Jill also volunteered some of her time to the Montana Federation of Republican Women, CTEC (Citizens Technical Environmental Committee), and was a member of the African Violet Society. Jill was raised Methodist, but embraced the positive aspects of all denominations and shared the love of Christ by being kind and understanding. She loved people and enjoyed visiting with friends and strangers alike, having a knack of witnessing from time to time without being judgemental, and most of the time with a sense of humor. She loved animals, especially dogs, adopting and providing a great home for many Dachshunds through the years. If there is a place like the, “Rainbow Bridge,” I’m sure Freddie and her other beloved pets are there to greet her! Jill is preceded in death by her parents, ex-husband, John Cottrill, mother-in-law, Marie Cottrill, and her close friends and business partners: John Isaacson and Carolyn Moore. She is survived by her cousins: Susan McGurk and family, Dick McLeod and family, both of Butte, sister-in-law, Joan McDonald, and the Isaacson kids who were very dear to her: Emily, Howard, Jerry, and Matt. Also surviving are many friends in Butte, Columbus Plaza and elsewhere that she loved like family. The author of this apologizes for those loved by Jill, but not mentioned here. A word of thanks to the compassionate staff at Copper Ridge Care Center for their care and friendship. Also thank you to those behind the scenes that helped Jill on a regular basis or from time to time. Jill, we miss you, love you, and hope to see you again someday. “In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity . . . in our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory!” In accordance with her requests, cremation has taken place and graveside funeral services will be conducted Friday, June 27th at 1 PM in Sunset Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Wayrynen Richards Funeral Home is privileged to serve Jill’s family and friends.

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Jill Violet Larson

April 13, 1952 - October 27, 2024