Jill Ranae DeSilva

Jill Renae DeSilva, 62, of Deer Lodge, Montana, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on August 29, 2026.

Born in Lewistown, Montana, Jill made Deer Lodge her home and built a life there centered around her family, friends, animals, and the home she loved.

Jill was funny, stubborn, outspoken, fiercely independent, incredibly hardworking, caring, and loving. Those who knew Jill knew exactly where they stood with her. She was unapologetically herself, and she loved the people in her life wholeheartedly.

Jill took tremendous pride in her home and yard and always seemed to have another project to work on. She loved gardening, cooking, canning, spending time with her animals, socializing with friends, and sitting on her front porch enjoying the home and yard she worked so hard to create. Above everything else, Jill treasured her family. She was an amazing grandmother and spent as much time with her grandchildren as she possibly could.

Jill and her husband, Dean, were beginning a new chapter of adventures together. They traveled to Africa on a hunting trip and purchased a motorhome with plans to explore more of the United States. After working hard throughout her life, Jill was beginning to enjoy more of the adventures she and Dean had dreamed about together.

Jill is survived by her husband, Dean DeSilva; her children, Jamie Goldberg, Jackie McHone, and Lonnie Morgan Jr.; her grandchildren, Ethan Goldberg, Trae Salle, and Alyssa Dahl; her sister, Joyce Berg; and her brother, Donald “Jim” Smith Jr. She was deeply loved by her family, friends, and many throughout the Deer Lodge community.

Jill will be remembered for her humor, her strong will, her remarkable work ethic, her love for her family, and for simply being unmistakably Jill.

A Celebration of Life will be held October 3, 2026, with additional details to be shared with family and friends.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home has been privileged to care for Jill and her family.