Joanne was born on February 24, 1932, in Bozeman, Montana the daughter of Lester and Olive (Menapace) McMillen. The family spent years in Boulder, Three Forks and Billings. Joanne attended first grade at the Taft School in Billings before the family moved to Sidney where Joanne graduated from Sidney High School in 1950.
She attended college at Western Montana College of Education and later transferred to Eastern Montana College graduating in 1952. Joanne taught 4th grade in Hysham until 1955. She married Joe M Nansel on June 5, 1955.
They ranched in Pease Bottom with Joe’s father, later purchasing a place on Armells Creek near Forsyth. There they raised six children. Joanne was involved in her church serving as Sunday school teacher. They spent many years following the children’s many school and 4-H activities. In 1980, Joe and Joanne moved into town and Joanne worked at the Crafty Lady craft store and later purchasing the store in 1985.
Joanne enjoyed many hobbies such as quilting, tole painting, scrap booking and researching ancestry. She shared her talents with her grandchildren and had many projects to share with them.
She was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church of Forsyth.
Joanne died on Monday, January 20, 2014 at Powers Cottage on the St Johns Campus in Billings.
Surviving her are: a brother, David McMillen of Sidney; a daughter Dawn Miars of Forsyth, sons Bob (Lila) of Fort Benton MT, Tom (Robin) of Colstrip, Jay (Gayle) of Billings, David (Jolene) of Vancouver WA and Andy (Kim) of Madison WI, as well as 15 grandchildren Deanna (Jake) Stevenson, Leigh (John) Wagner, Lindsay (Chris) Arth, Claire, Kaitlin Kolka, Derek, Peyton, Nolan, Quinten, Tyler, Trey, Raegan, Erika, Nicholas and Trevor Nansel.
She is preceded in death by her parents and husband Joe in 1995.
A memorial fund has been set up at First State Bank of Forsyth to support the ongoing care of Alzheimer’s patients at Powers Cottage on the campus of St John’s Lutheran Home.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Pastor Marcus Baikie for his many trips to visit Joanne in Billings as well as the wonderful, loving staff of Powers Cottage in Billings.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Friday January 24, 2014
Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday January 24, 2014
Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday January 25, 2014
Concordia Lutheran Church
310 N 8th
Forsyth, MT 59327
Interment
Following Services
Saturday January 25, 2014
Forsyth Cemetery
2804 Old Hwy 10
Forsyth, MT 59327
Luncheon
Following Graveside Services
Saturday January 25, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Friday January 24, 2014
Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday January 24, 2014
Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday January 25, 2014
Concordia Lutheran Church
310 N 8th
Forsyth, MT 59327
Interment
Following Services
Saturday January 25, 2014
Forsyth Cemetery
2804 Old Hwy 10
Forsyth, MT 59327
Luncheon
Following Graveside Services
Saturday January 25, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Share
Grace Larson says
I am sending condolences and prayers to all of Joanne’s family . She was a wonderful person who always had a smile .
Penny Teeters says
With my thoughts and prayers to all of you. Please know I am here if you need anything at all.
Karie Weamer says
Nansel Family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother and grandmother. I have such fond memories of her when I was growing up. Especially as my Sunday school teacher. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Debra & Peter Nolan says
Nansel Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Tim & Pam Cox says
Nansel Family. Joanne was a loving helpful person, who loved people, teaching kids life skills, and always being there for anyone who needed her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Remember her smile, and keep her in your hearts.
Bob & Linda Miars says
We are so sorry to hear of Joannes passing. May all your memories of her help you through this difficult time. Our payers and thoughts are with you as you go through your mourning of her passing.
Jack & Kim Knobloch Family says
Nansel Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Curt and Cathy Fleming says
I am so sorry to hear of Joanne’s death. While I know the last years have not been enjoyable, it is always difficult to lose a parent and a grandparent. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Curt and Cathy
Dottie , Dale , and Jane ( Erickson ) Nansel says
So sorry to hear about Joanne … and yet relieved on her behalf that her suffering over the last few years is finally over and that she is in a “better place” .
Peggy Redman and Earl Mortensen says
To Joanne’s family,
Earl joins me in sending heartfelt condolences to you in the loss of your beloved Joanne. May you find comfort and strength in knowing others care. We are thinking of, and praying for you at this difficult time. May the many beautiful memories you have of her give you peace now and in the days ahead.
Connie Brown says
To the Nansel Family,
Memories, where would we be without them? You each have your own special memories of your Mom, grandmother and friend. One of my memories was her craft store in Forsyth, the treasures it held , to create memories for others. May you be at peace in knowing she is at peace!
Sam & Kathy Widdicombe says
Tom, Robin & family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. May fond memories bring you comfort.
Donna and Lawrence mcCulloch says
It was with a sad heart that I read this morning of Joanne’s passing. I have many memories of working for her three summers when I was in high school. My prayers go out to all of you at this difficult time. May God wrap you in his loving arms and help ease your sorrow.
Joan and Dick DeCock says
To all of Joanne`s family. We will dearly miss your mom and grandmother. We`ve spent many wonderful times together with our children enjoying each others company. Joanne has been a good neighbor and friend to us and she will be missed by us all. Our prayers are with all of you at this time.
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Joanne Nansel – May you find comfort in your loving memories, beautiful pictures and in recalling the many talents of Mrs. Nansel. It was not the Creator’s purpose that mankind suffer and die. God has promised that a time will come when no one will say “I am sick” (Isaiah 33:24). The Bible we are promised a resurrection of dear family members and friends that we have lost (John 5:28, 29). I hope you are comforted by Bible promises of a hopeful future (John 17:3).
Andrita Harris says
TOM & Robin Nansel and Family
Sending you my condolences. Thoughts & Prayers are with you.
Clenora and Gary Quinlan says
As we review the wounderful friend and leader we shared in your mom, we miss her too.
Her time of suffering and not being herself is over, she is better now. We as well as you will enjoy our memories. Those memories must carry you thro this difficult time.
Our thoughts and Prayers to all of you.
Julie Axelberg says
Dawn and family, So very sorry to read of your Mother’s passing. Please know that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Joe & Wilma Horrall says
So sorry to learn of Joanne’s passing. I have many memories of living with Joanne in Sidney while we went to high school. She was a very special lady. I cherish the memories.
Colleen Johnson Miller says
My condolences to the Nansel family. Sorry to hear about the loss to our extended family.