Joanne Richard passed away on Thursday June 6, at 70 years of age. She was the daughter of Ralph and Dorothy Cooke. Joanne (Jo) was born in Minneapolis Minnesota but raised in Denver Colorado. She graduated from Valparaiso University in Chicago with a BS in education and earned a master’s degree in speech therapy and special education from the University of Colorado in Boulder. Joanne moved to Miles City in 1980 with her partner Don Richard on May 18 of 1981 they were married. During an in-depth conversation with her mother-in-law Jo decided that accounting was way more fun than teaching. After waiting tables for a few months Joanne took her first step into the accounting world. Within a few years of working in different accountant offices she bought a practice of her own. Her go getter attitude guided her to become and Enrolled Agent and a Certified Financial Planner. She provided tax accounting, financial planning, bookkeeping, payroll, and personal financial services. Her practice, known as Professional Financial Services, operated in Miles city for 30 years.
Along with her business achievements Joanne was an avid hunter, fisherman, and camper. In her earlier years she was a camp counselor in the mountains of Colorado, shot a bear while elk hunting in the mountains, and was chased by a moose while walking to her house in the winter with 10ft snowbanks on each side of the road. One of her most memorable achievements; she designed and helped build her very first home. Joanne was always full of adventure, and the drive for adventure, along with her desire to make others happy, gave her the idea to have a food booth at the fair. It made her feel so good to be able to cook for others. Her Japanese Noodles, Shishkabobs, and Brisket Wraps will be missed by all.
Joanne is preceded in death by her father and mother Ralph and Dorothy Cooke, and her sister Nancy Barr. She is survived by her husband Donald, her son David and daughter-in-law Jessica (Roufley) Richard, her daughter Karissa Nissen (Richard) and son-in-law Greg Nissen, her six grandchildren Joey, Heidi, Taylon, Makayla, Tannor, and Whitney.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4 to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday July 2, 2019
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4 to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday July 2, 2019
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, MT
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M J CRANDALL says
so sorry.
Carol Plympton says
We are so sorry to hear of Joanne’s passing. What a shock. She was a special lady and the community will sorely miss her. Our hearts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
Jan Munroe says
Don, David, and Kari. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Such a sweet, warm, and compassionate lady and a wonderful parent with whom to work!
Tammy Pecha says
So sorry for your loss Joanne was special,
Brian & Wendy Ballance says
Don, Kari, David & family, our hearts go out to all of you with the passing of Joanne. She was such a quiet, kind & loving woman who loved her family with all of her heart. She was so proud of all of her grandchildren. She loved to talk about them when I would run into her at Walmart & we would catch up for a bit. I always loved visiting with Joanne. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Joanne will be missed by many, ❤️
Brian & Wendy Ballance says
Don, Kari, David & family, our hearts go out to all of you with the passing of Joanne. She was such a quiet, kind & loving woman who loved her family with all of her heart. She was so proud of all of her grandchildren. She loved to talk about them when I would run into her at Walmart & we would catch up for a bit. I always loved visiting with Joanne. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Joanne will be missed by many. ❤️
Mary Ann Phipps, CHMS, P.C. says
I had a wonderful professional relationship with Joanne. She was terrific to work with and so helpful. She was full of integrity. Enjoyed visiting with her on the phone about work and life. She will surely be missed by all who knew her. She was passionate about both work and family. I hope you find comfort in the legacy that she left.
Suzanne South says
So sorry to hear of Joanne’s passing. She was a very special lady. I’m sure you all will miss her greatly.
Kelli Rooney says
So sorry for your loss. Joanne was a great lady and a big help to my Mom and Dad. Prayers and condolences
Bill & Sandy says
Don and Family,
Our sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Grace Larson says
With deepest sympathy. Joanne was The Best. She was Lyle’s and my accountant for all of those 30 years. Joanne will be missed. Her smile, and her love of life and family.
Donna Gilbert Tebeau says
Don and family
I remember teaching you and Joanne childbirth education classes. What a wonderful couple you were and how sweet was Joanne.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this most difficult time.
Please hold on to the wonderful memories you have to get you through.
My sincere condolences.
Vaughna Anderson Frye says
So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.