Leona Jane Lenehan

“Niff” passed away September 8, 2018 at Spring Creek Inn of Bozeman after complications from a stroke in June. She was born on March 6, 1937 to Art and Hildred (Babe) Lenehan at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital. She was a Belgrade native and was well known in the community.



After graduation from Belgrade Schools, Leona married Donald Counts. They had 3 children: Bud, Terry, and Cindy. They later divorced.



Leona worked several customer service jobs that included Gallatin Laundry, The Meat Shop, Coast to Coast in Belgrade, Lee and Dads Grocery and Albertsons Grocery before she retired.



She became a caregiver for her son Bud and her Mother (Granny) after retirement. Leona was preceded in death by her parents, her son Bud Counts and her grandson Shane Counts.



Leona is survived by her sister Eileen (Chick) Tonn of British Columbia and her children Suzanne, Craig and Bob; her son Terry Counts (Carolyn) of Belgrade; her daughter Cindy Watts of Townsend and her children Desirae (Conway) Bandy of Townsend and their children Hayden and Tori; grandson Cameron (Leah) Bucher of Bozeman along with grandson Cory (Mary) Counts of Belgrade.



Niff was also preceded in death by her lifetime of faithful 4-legged fur babies Hobie, Holly, Molly, Bobbi and Whitney.



The family would like to thank all the nurses and caregivers from Spring Creek Inn and Bozeman Health Hospice for the dedicated and compassionate care they provided us during this journey.



There will be a Graveside Service at Sunset Hills Cemetery in Bozeman on Friday, September 14th at 2:00pm. Niff’s wishes were that her family and friends get together after the service at Terry’s house at 5811 Jackrabbit Lane, Belgrade.



Donations can be made in her name to Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter, 1549 E. Cameron Bridge Road, Bozeman, MT 59718.