Joanne Joy Livingston passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 13th, 2022, at 51 years old. Joanne had been sick with a cold, which included Covid like symptoms. Her oxygen levels dropped, medical staff worked diligently but were unable to revive her, and she passed peacefully.
Joanne Joy Orthman (Josie to her family) was born to Donna and Ivan Orthman in 1971, and already had an older brother, named Jason. Joanne lived on her family’s farm in Kinsey Montana, until they moved to Miles City, when she was in the 8th grade. Joanne loved to make friends with everyone she met, no matter the personal problem, she was happy to help a friend. In regards to friends, her mother Donna used to ask “Do you go out looking for people with problems?” And Joanne would reply “Yep, I find people and ask ‘do you have problems? I’ll be you’re friend!”
Joanne did 4H with a rabbit, because she couldn’t bring herself to let the larger animals be sold for meat. Donna and Ivan later had a son, Jeremy. When Jeremy was born Joanne was especially excited to pick him up from the hospital, and she even liked to take care of him like he was her own baby. As a teenager Joanne loved Majorettes, Speech and Drama and spending time with friends.
While in High School Joanne met the love of her life, Josh Livingston. At only 15 Joanne started dating the man she would marry and spend the rest of her life with. At 18 she married Josh and became Joanne Joy Livingston. She later gave birth to her first child Jenna Livingston a month before her 20th Birthday in 1991. Joanne always said that Jenna had been an early Birthday present from God since she’d been born so close to her birthday. Joanne and Josh went to College together at Miles Community College as newlyweds, and often had to take infant Jenna to classes with them.
Later after Joanne gave birth to her youngest, Joseph Livingston in 1995, she worked while taking care of the kids, making sure Josh could finish his degree at Dickinson State University. In 1998 she moved with her family back to Miles City to be closer to her and Josh’s parents.
She held various jobs around town to help support the family until 2002; when Joanne began to struggled with her physical and mental health, as chronic pain made it difficult to work, or function normally. When Joanne was no longer able to work due to her health struggles she found comfort in online communities and pets at home. She was accompanied around the house by her dog Maxwell, who she said was “good to the last lick”.
Joanne had a deep love for her family, and frequently said that her husband Josh and her children Jenna and Joe were her reason for going on when things were hard. In 2018 Joanne moved to Billings to be closer to her Dr’s Joanne struggled with diabetes and began to have frequent infections in her toes. Eventually her lower leg had to be amputated as a result of complications from staph infection. Her loyal son Joe Livingston moved to Billings to help take care of her, when her husband Josh was unable to follow her to Billings.
Josh had the difficult task of staying in Miles City, where he had a job that provided the excellent health insurance the family needed to care for Joanne. Josh visited Joanne frequently and the couple looked forward to weekends together in Billings, as travel was hard for Joanne.
Joanne was Survived by her Husband Josh Livingston, Daughter Jenna Hodges, Son Joe Livingston, Mother Donna Orthman, Brothers Jason Orthman and Jeremy Orthman, Grandmother Laura Erickson, and online friends too numerous to count.
Joanne was followed in death by her father Ivan Orthman on Wednesday, December 14th, 2022.
There will be a joint viewing for Joanne and Ivan on Wednesday December 28th, 2022 from 4-6 at Stevenson Funeral Home, a Joint Service to be held on Thursday December 29th, 2022 at 11 at Trinity Lutheran Church.
Joanne’s Family would also be honored to have any who wish to celebrate Joannes life attend her Wake at The Golden Spur Bar on Thursday December 29th, 2022, at 6pm The Family will serve Joannes favorite food, Chinese available for all, and will share memories and drinks in her honor.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 28, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday December 29, 2022
Trinity Lutheran Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Garth Sleight says
It always breaks my heart to see one of my former MCC students listed on the S&S web site. I enjoyed having Joanne as a student. My sincerest condolences to her family.
Kim Smarsh says
My prayers and sympathy to Joanne’s family.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Words cannot express my sadness in seeing that Joanne has gone on. To Josh and the kids, I feel so bad for you all. To Donna and all the Orthman family, my sincere sympathy to each and every one. Your faith will get you through this.
Audrey Haumschild says
So sorry to see this. Hugs and prayers Josh for you and all your family. 🙏❤.
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Josh and Family, I am so very sorry for the loss of your wife. Sending prayers to comfort you.
Beverly Holliday says
So very sad and sorry for the loss of this beautiful life. Joshua, Joey, Jenna and family-our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Patty West says
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Joanne. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.
Eloise True says
I remember moving into student housing at DSU and discovering that one of the other residents shared a birthday with me ( I won’t talk about how much older I am) and that we also had some relatives in common. We had lots of fun while we lived there. Thinking of all of you at this difficult time.
Kathy Marks says
Josh and family,
I’m so sad to hear of your loss. Prayers for all.
Renee Corneliusen says
Prayers for God’s healing and grace to comfort you.
Theresa Scheid says
I am so sorry for your loss. I used to babysit Joanne and her brothers at Kinsey. Good memories! She will be missed. You are in my prayers.
Cherrie Beyer says
Josh, Joey and Jenna, so sorry to hear of your loss. Praying for your family.
Denise Harvey says
What a sweet lady! May you be comforted with cherished memories!