Betty Joan Ohnstad, of Miles City, died , Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings, Montana. She was born August 4, 1935 in Miles City to Lec and Ina Mae (Timberman) Sturdevant and spent her early childhood in Sheffield, MT. Her family later moved in to Miles City where she attended her schooling. She married Sam Ohnstad on April 17, 1955 and thus began their 62 year family adventure where she found her passion and natural ability to be a care giver.
She is survived by her husband Sam and son Doug of Miles City, a daughter Kathy and her husband Tim of Fort Benton, MT and a son-in-law Wayne Hauge. She also leaves behind 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, Raymon and Kris Hauge and his two sons, Frederic and Rasmus, Brandon and Kylene Hauge, Jordon and Alisha Hauge and their two children Bridget and Everett, Tawni(Waldo) and Scott Steinbacher and their two daughters Kate and Tess, Shanice Waldo and her fiancé Matt York and Reece Waldo.
She endured the loss of her daughter Debbie Hauge and was the last of her immediate family having been preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Darlene (Sturdevant) Hoff, Lee Sturdevant and Bill Sturdevant.
What she will be remembered for the most is her loving, caring and giving nature. Her presence made life easier and more fun for everyone. She was known by many names and embraced them all: Grandma Jo, GG Jo, Auntie Jo, Josey, Betty, and Foxy Gram just to name a few. Joan loved to tend to her yard and garden and would share her bounty with anyone willing. She enjoyed a good game of cards and was always up for a hand or two of Canasta, Pinochle or May I. She enjoyed garage sales and finding a bargain at the thrift store. She loved to visit and have morning coffee or afternoon tea with her dear friends. No one ever went hungry in her home and she would gladly whip up German Pancakes for anyone at any time. She also loved to volunteer and spent many years calling PoKeno or organizing holiday parties for the local nursing home.
She was a Hospice volunteer and a member of the Degree of Honor Protective Association. She was always willing to bake or take in meals whenever needed and was a quiet advocate for many in their time of need. She dedicated her life to the service of others while meticulously caring for the needs of her own family.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday April 28, 2017
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Funeral Service
3:00 p.m.
Saturday April 29, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday April 28, 2017
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Funeral Service
3:00 p.m.
Saturday April 29, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
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Wayne Hauge says
Words are hard,
emotions are easy,
tears flow even when we don’t want them to,
I will miss my Ma2.
Wayne
Rich Minkoff says
She was a sweet and wonderful woman…so sorry for your loss.
Bus Morris says
Condolences from our family on the loss of Joan. We heard this afternoon that you had lost her. These things always come as a shock. We are certainly sorry to hear about it.
Bus Morris & family
Glendive
Kathi Rooney Pfeifle says
Kathy, Tim and family.
I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Curt & Kate Terrett says
So sorry for your loss
Pam (Moths) Nisley and Dave Nisley says
To her precious loved ones~ We care, and are praying for comfort in these very hard times. May you each feel the loving arms of Jesus holding you close.
Denise Harvey says
Our thoughts are with you.
Denise Oberlander Harvey
Sandi Waldo says
So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I am praying that God will bring you comfort during this time of sorrow.
Stradley family says
We also enjoyed visiting with Joann. She was so kind! May the family receive comfort during this difficult time. Prayers to you.
Colleen and John Lulf says
Kathy and family — It doesn’t matter how old we are, losing a parent is hard. May your memories console you and the love around you comfort you. Please accept our condolences. Our thoughts are with you all.
Mark Turnquist says
So sorry for your loss. You and your family our in our prayers.
April Thompson says
Rest in peace sweet Betty. I will miss your smile and sense of humor. To her family you are in my thoughs.
Delores Randash Seay. says
I am sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family.
Sandi Updyke says
The world is a little darker today because this beautiful woman is no longer in it. Heaven has sure gained an angel . My memories of Jo Jo are many. All wonderful and most a little funny too. She was an amazing lady. Kathy, Doug, and family, I hope your memories get you through this difficult time. Heaven gained an angel. Love to you all ??
Marcy Stabler Parks says
Sam, Doug, and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dotty Cauthron Watts says
So sorry to read about Joan’s passing. We were good friends in grade school. Am glad I got to see her at our last reunion. I remember her as being a kind person. Cherish your memories
Deb Bartholomew says
Sam, Doug and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Joan was a sweet, very kind lady and was my neighbor. I will miss seeing her working in her yard and visiting. God has gained an Angel. Cherish your memories as they will help with difficult days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Deb Moths Schmeling says
Dear Ohnstad Family,
So Sorry to hear about Joan. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God wrap His loving arms around each one of you.
Helen Raymond Lucas says
It is sad to learn of JoAnn’s passing. As a classmate of hers, I always appreciated how friendly she was and admired her positive spirit. May your family be comforted with wonderful memories.
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Barbara Bartels McGregor says
My sincere sympathies to all of Joan’s family…….I remember her and her brother, Lee, from high school. My thoughts and prayers for all.
Shorty and Judy Brush says
Praying for God to give you the strength now and in the days to come
Kristi Celander says
My sincerest condolences to family and friends of Joan. She was such a joy to work with and became a great friend of mine as a hospice volunteer.
Stephani Schumacher-Collins says
A prayer and a hug to you Kathy, and your family
tanna Aye says
My sympathy to you on the passing of such a great lady. Joan was always available to help out when needed.
She was a wonderful advocate for volunteering. She will be missed. May your memories of her comfort you.
Godspeed dear lady.
Kolleen (Waldo) & Butch Forsyth says
Our sorrow joins with your sorrow. We will miss Joan and her kindness. It was a delight to be around her. She cared for our family without even being asked, and was a good friend to our Mom. Such a special lady! We are blessed to have Joan’s daughter as our sister-in-law.
In shared sympathy.
Sharon Volkman says
Sorry for your loss. Joan was a very nice, caring, fine lady. A classmate of mine. Saw her often in the grocery store & she shared some of her experiences with me.
Peggy and Chuck says
Our thoughts are with your family’s during this time.
Sandi Kohones says
I enjoyed waiting on Joan when she came into St. Vincent de Paul. Her sense of humor was wonderful and we had many laughs. She will be missed!
Janice Hunter says
Kathy and family, we want you to know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers !
Your Mom and Grandma was a special friend and we treasure the memories we have of her!!
She loved her family dearly! Blessings. Janice and Howard
Carl & Dalea Reuter & family says
So sorry to hear of her passing. But what a great Lady she was and will greatly missed by all. It was Gods calling to take her home to be with him and all our loved ones that have gone before her. She is up there filling them all in on all the latest news. Praying for you all!! God Bless each and everyone. The Reuters (Dalea Timberman) in Florida.
Ron & Toni Klinger says
So very sorry for your loss. What a wonderful lady! She was always robust and delightful to be around. She will truly be missed.
Marcille Butts says
Many years since Miles City. May all your family be blessed.
Mary Lou Richardson Keating says
I remember Joan as a good class member of CCHS class of 1953. She always came to the class reunions and let each of us know that she cared about us. She will be missed. Mary Lou Richardson Keating