Joan Marie (Kimball) Cunningham was born on October 10, 1932 to Vivian Marie (Lewis) Kimball (of Hardin) and Glenn Daniel Kimball (of Hysham) in Nashua, Montana. Glenn and Vivian soon moved to Sanders, MT after buying a country general store and post office, and where Joan’s brother David and sister Kay joined the family. Joan passed away from Alzheimer’s and COVID on August 27, 2021 in Forsyth, MT.
Joan graduated from Hysham High School and went to one year of college at the University of Montana, studying music. However, she was lonely for her high school sweetheart, Bill Cunningham, who was studying agricultural engineering at the then Montana State College in Bozeman. She transferred to MSC and eloped with Bill in her sophomore year. In her junior year, she had her first-born child, Deborah (Debby), who was soon joined by her second child, Richard (Dick). Bill was enrolled in the Air Force ROTC and was commissioned a lieutenant upon graduation. He was assigned to Clark Air Base in the Philippine Islands upon his graduation in 1953. Joan traveled alone with infant Dick and toddler Debby to join Bill, with an unexpected days-long stop in Guam. These early events illustrated Joan’s values of family and adventure.
After leaving the Air Force and returning to Hysham to work on the family ranch/farm, Bill and Joan gave birth to Gail, and then cared for several foster children, with foster daughter Mary Query living over nine years with them. In Hysham, Joan faithfully served the Hysham Community Presbyterian Church as a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School superintendent, church organist and choir director, on Session, and even as “Camp Grandma” to the campers at the Westminster Spires church camp. She was an integral part of Presbyterian Women for the entirety of her adult life. She used her gifts in music throughout her life, playing the organ even into the later years when she was suffering from Alzheimer’s. Joan valued her Christian faith, caring for people inside and outside of the family circle, and the universal language of music.
An active community member, Joan also taught swimming and First Aid in the Philippines and in Hysham. She was active with the Southeastern Rural Health Initiative and she worked with Dee Storm on a grant submitted to the Coal Board to create and operate the Treasure County Health Clinic. The grant was funded and Joan worked as a volunteer with the Clinic and with the Rural Health Initiative Board for over 40 years. In later years, she participated enthusiastically as a Red Hatter and in the Hysham American Legion Auxilary. She valued friendships and she desired healthy living for her community.
Joan and Bill were inveterate travelers, visiting every continent except Antarctica. They loved to gather with their friends, Pat and Bob Miller, and LaVon and Ramsay Adair, to plan the next adventure. Joan and Bill often provided the group with a rum and coke or a nice glass of wine before dinner, and this happy hour became a tradition with friends. Joan was curious, loved to learn, and she enjoyed seeing the diverse ways that humans live across the globe.
Joan and Bill were soulmates for over 70 years, raising their children, and then welcoming grandchildren and great-grandchildren into their lives. Joan and Bill were always a complementary team. Joan was a wonderful cook and baker, making her own bread for years. She gardened each year, freezing and canning the produce in great quantities. She was a stay-at-home mom who was involved in many of the activities her children wanted to do, especially in 4-H. She was an energetic putterer who kept a tidy, organized house and yard. She loved to entertain and often hosted meals for 20 or more guests. Joan was contented with the life she and Bill created in rural Montana.
Joan is survived by her devoted husband, Bill, brother David Kimball (Gail), sister Kay Maasch (Lyle), daughter Deborah Haynes (George) of Bozeman, son Richard Cunningham (Dana) of Hysham, daughter Gail Kolb (Ron) of Hysham, and foster daughter, Mary Query of Englewood, CO. Surviving grandchildren include Hanna Schantz (Cliff) of Hysham, Morgan Cunningham (fiancé Manuel Salcedo) of Riverside, CA, Jess Cunningham (Kalli) of Billings, Maren Haynes Marchesini (Michael) of Helena, Aigerim Haynes (Juan Mendoza) of Bozeman, Aidar Haynes of Bozeman, and Sebastian Burdison of Englewood, CO. Surviving great-grandchildren include Clifford Dean Schantz, Oscar and Aisulu Mendoza, and Asa and Kaj Marchesini. She is also survived by loving nieces, nephews, and many extended family members and friends.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Rosebud Health Care, Long-term Care, and PALS for their kind care for Joan.
Memorial donations may be made to Hysham Community Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 206, Hysham, MT 59038; the Treasure County ‘89ers Museum, P.O. Box 489, Hysham, MT 59038; the Sanders Gym, c/o Pat and Bob Miller, 388 Old Highway 10, Sanders, MT 59076; or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or alz.org.
A memorial service will be held at Hysham Community Presbyterian Church, 306 Division Street, Hysham, MT 59038 on November 20 at 10:00 a.m. The service will be live streamed. Please access the information for the service by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 Am
Saturday November 20, 2021
Hysham Presbyterian Church
Hysham, Montana 59038
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 Am
Saturday November 20, 2021
Hysham Presbyterian Church
Hysham, Montana 59038
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Laurie says
So sorry for your loss. So glad I got to know her a little bit. She will be missed by many.
Alane & Ken says
Bill , Debby, Dick , Gail and All
So sorry for your loss. Joan was always so nice to us. She never forgot a birthday!!! I could always count on a card in the mail from Aunt Joan!! I bet Bill will be lost without her.
Will always remember the times we stopped and visited them at the farm.
We will have to get together and share memories .
Thinking of all of you and praying .
Love Alane
Belva Arvik says
So many memories of times spent with Joan. She led us all to do good for each other and the community—Clinic, Bible School, After-school program, Bible study at Monica’s, organizing music at the church and playing the organ so beautifully. She loved people and her community and we all benefited from her efforts. She is missed and loved! Thoughts and prayers for all of you.
Mencella Carlson says
Dick and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope your memories will comfort you all, God be with you! Mencella
Larry & Vicky Fink says
We were sadden to learn of Joan’s passing and extend our condolences to her family. She contributed so much to the Hysham community in so many ways. She will certainly be missed by many.
Barb DeCock says
I’ve always considered Joan as one of the great treasures of Treasure County, and am very sorry to read of her passing. My prayers are with you all.
Rick & Karen Mouat says
So sorry to hear about Joan. She has always been one of those special people. I remember many years ago my sisters and I would walk over to visit your mother when we lived in Myers, and she would always have some cookies for us. Out thoughts and prayers are with you all and your mom will be missed in many ways.
Dave Stensrud says
Bill and family,
Just heard the news today. Sorry for your loss. I have been out of touch with you since I retired, but think of you and your family often.
Lorna Niles says
Bill, Debby, Dick n Gail, I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember her/all of you, to be so kind n loving to me, as a foster.
Sending strength, healing, blessings n love.
Lori
from Glendive
1974
Karen Sable (Kimball) says
I just found out about Joan’s passing. What a remarkable life and I have so many wonderful memories and remembering her smile and graciousness.
Karen Larson says
Keep your memories close to your heart. Thoughts and Prayers
Marlene Bachmann says
Debby, thanks for including me on your email concerning the loss of your mother. It is not easy no matter what the age. May your comfort be knowing she enjoying a wonderful life with her Savior, Jesus Christ and joining in the choir of angels. My your loss be comforted by family and friends and good memories. It is evident that she was a wonderful mother by the daughter that I have had the pleasure of knowing.
Melode Clifton Warner says
Gail,
I am sorry for your pain. Your mom was a sweet lady. Praying for you all. Melode
Lone Myrup says
I first met Joan – and Bill – when I was an IFYE. I got to stay with them for a part of my stay in Montana. Joan was the most open, caring and welcoming person, and we kept in touch through the years. I even got to bring my own family to visit twice. First I returned with my parents and many years later with my husband and kids. Once again we had a wonderful time with Joan, Bill and the rest of the family and once again we got to experience Joans warmth and hospitality. I also remember when Joan an Bill came to Copenhagen – twice!- and we got to enjoy som time together. I think very fondly of all these memories of Joan and send my deepest condolances to Bill and everyone else in the family. I will always cherish my memories.
Arne & Vikki Mysse says
Bill, Debby, Dick, Gail, David, Kay and All
We are so sorry for your loss, please accept our sympathy.
Joan’s numerous accomplishments and happy memories of her will comfort you all.
Bob and Terri Luzitano says
Terri and I are just a couple of goose hunters from Utah who had the good fortune of finding Bill and Joan’s farm in the state block management area listing years ago, After getting their permission to hunt, Bill showed us the farm and advised us where to set up to hunt geese and we did quit well. After hunting we visited with them and that’s when a loving relationship was started. We couldn’t help but love the both of them. We learned that if we didn’t precook meals and bring them up to share with them that Joan would be cooking something and insist that we join them for dinner. We have shared many meals with them and got to know and love some of their family and friends. We think its something about Hysham people that you just don’t find in Utah….. salt of the earth good people. After years of hunting on their farm and spending time with them we feel like family. Joan was one of the most gracious loving people we’ve ever known and we miss her dearly.