Justine P. (Bauer) Greenough, 35, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Great Falls.

She was born on March 2, 1991, to Audrey Bauer and Nicholas Birdtail in Havre MT. From the moment Justine was born, she brought a kind of energy into the world that couldn't be ignored. We called her Jess, or Jessie, and those names fit her perfectly. She was full of life, full of spark, and always just a little unpredictable in the best way.

As a little girl, Jess was the wild one. She was fearless, crazy in that free-spirited way, and always willing to try anything at least once. If there was something new, something exciting, or even something a little risky, she was already halfway there before anyone else had the chance to think about it. She was always chasing the next thrill, always looking for something that made her feel alive.

Growing up with her meant life was never boring. She turned ordinary days into stories, and even when things were chaotic, there was something about her that made it all feel worth it. That was just who she was, someone who lived life fully, without hesitation. She lived in Havre almost all of her life, attending Davey Elementary School and Havre Middle School where she proudly earned her 8th grade promotion. During 9th grade she went to live in Harlem with her grandparents Rosella and Emerson Birdtail, Sr., where she attended Harlem High School. Eventually Jess moved back home to Havre and earned her GED. As she grew into her teenage years, that same spirit stayed with her. She kept that boldness, that courage to face anything, and that drive to experience life on her own terms. She was always holding everyone to their truths. One thing she didn't play about was her siblings. She loved deeply and protected fiercely.

Some of the best times were spent at Carpenter Park with her friends and baby sister Shay. She had a smile and laugh that was so contagious, you couldn't help but laugh with her. Jess had a caring soul that carried a heavy heart. You would never know when she was hurting, but you could always tell when she was mad. She was our fighter, a true protector in every sense of the word.

Throughout her life she worked numerous jobs, mostly as a server, where she met her husband, Ryan Greenough, Sr. Together they spent over 18 years building a life and welcoming five beautiful children, Aubriauna, Brayden, Ryan Jr., Serenity and Maddison.  Through her marriage, she was also blessed with a stepson, Adriel Greenough.

Jess enjoyed fishing, camping, lake days, and anything  to do with being outside. Most importantly, her children were her life. Every day was about making happy moments with them and for them. Jess also worked hard to continue her education, earning college credits along the way, showing her determination and drive to build a better future. She was a beautiful writer, a talented artist, most of all she loved gardening. Fixing up her garden with her husband was where they bonded. They eventually went their separate ways in 2020, but still stayed friends to the very end. It was in 2023 when she met her life partner, Ryan Ferguson. Together they walked through life side by side, facing both joy and struggle, and finding comfort in each other even during the hardest moments. He was someone who shared a significant part of her journey, and their time together is something that will always be remembered.

Jess made an impact that will never fade. The way she lived, the way she loved, and the way she protected the people she cared about, those things stay with us every single day. Even though she's gone, the memories of her, especially the girl she was growing up, will always be a part of us. Most of all, her love will continue to live on through her children, who were her whole world!

She is survived by her children, Aubriauna, Brayden, Ryan Jr., Serenity, Maddison, and Adriel Greenough; life partner, Ryan Ferguson; husband, Ryan Greenough, Sr.; her mother, Audrey Bauer (Danny); father, Nicholas Birdtail; sisters, Nashae Bauer (Tre Deserly) and Kaydeen Healy; brother, Aaron Bauer; big sister, Kenesia Bauer; aunts, Debbie Bauer, Karen (Shorty) Gramley, Clara Bauer, Terry Bauer, and Ionia Lohman; uncles, Laurence Bauer, John Bauer, Bruce Bauer, Jason (Faith) Birdtail, Sr., and Emerson (Kristy) Birdtail, Jr.; cousins, Crystal Blatt, Sherona Bauer, Clarissa Martin, Lucinda Sangrey, Mishele Skinner, Robin Bauer, Amber Lohman, Leeona Bauer, Claren Bauer, Thea Bauer, Natasha Lohman, Sheyenne Bauer, Tierce Bauer, Chelsea Lohman, Destiny Bauer, Laurence Bauer, Jr., Joey Sangrey, Kyle Kruse, Jordan Bauer, John Oats, Ty Bauer, Ricky Champagne, Don, Jacob and Kirkland Lohman, JohnMel Birdtail, Wallace Birdtail, Amare Birdtail, Bryce Bauer, and Bruce Bauer, Jr.; nieces, Skye'Lee Deserly, Kyleigh Bauer, Ka'Marie Alexander; nephew, Buddy Bauer; and all her lifelong friends.

Jess was preceded in death by her grandparents, Olive and John Bauer and Rosella and Emerson Birdtail, Sr.; mother-in-law, Jodell Downhour; aunts, Eldora Bauer and Kathy Bauer; uncles, Edward Lohman, Lee Powerface, and Jerry Bauer; cousins, Jacob Bauer, Stevie-Man Bauer, Bobby Henry-Bauer, Jason Birdtail, Jr. "Meathead", Jona Bear, and Aj LongSoldier.

Wake services will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026, and funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026, with Kelly Eagleman officiating.  All services will be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Box Elder.  Burial will follow the funeral at the Russette Family Cemetery.  Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.