Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes

Serving families in the Miles City, Forsyth, Lame Deer, Broadus, Circle, Jordan and Terry areas for three generations.

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Miles City: 406-232-4457 — Forsyth: 406-346-2311

In Memory Of

Phyllis Joy Neumann, age 93 of Miles City.

August 26, 1928 – October 15, 2021

Phyllis “Joy” Neumann passed away peacefully October 15, 2021 surrounded by her family.

Joy Neumann was the middle child of Glenn and Marjorie Heinan Peabody, born August 26, 1928, in a log house just south of the Ekalaka Hills.

Joy was three years old when her mother died in 1932, leaving three small children, ages one, three and five. Their grandmother assisted in their care until she died in 1933. Her dad remarried in 1934, separating after four years, when Joy was nine years old. From that time, she and her siblings took care of themselves for the most part while their dad worked away from home for WPA, building dams and roads with a team of horses and a Fresno. Her dad used to say, “his kids weren’t raised, they just grew up.”

They were a musical family, their dad playing many instruments, providing music for country dances where kids learned to dance with adults. Her sister also played piano, guitar and harmonica while she and Joy spent hours singing songs they learned from the old phonograph records. Their dad would have them entertain guests.

Joy and her siblings attended the Pershing, Cline and Peabody schools through eighth grade. During her 13th year she left home to work for the Tennant Ranch in South Dakota, leaving once for her freshman year of high school in Ekalaka. At age 17 she joined the class of 1948 at Carter County High School, beginning as a sophomore after Thanksgiving.

Her first job after graduating was at the State Auditor’s Office in Helena as a result of state tests offered in high school. She then moved to Miles City where she worked at First National Bank. During this time, she met a nice handsome guy, Harold Neumann, whom she married and became the father of their children. Joy was a stay-at-home mom until 1967 when she received a call from Sister Marie Celeste offering her a job in the business office at Holy Rosary Hospital. In 1969 Harold joined her at the hospital, working in the Engineering Department, where they both worked for the Presentation Sisters until retirement, enjoying leisure time together until Harold passed away in 1997.

Joy was a member of Sacred Heart Church where she was baptized before her marriage. In later years she quit attending mass because she couldn’t stay awake. It was beneath her sense of dignity to be heard snoring in church, but she remained a member of Sacred Heart Church until her death.

She spent 15 enjoyable years volunteering at St. Vincent De Paul where she also served as secretary of their Board of Directors.

From her modest beginning as a child in their Little House on the Prairie in the 1930’s, she felt her most rewarding accomplishment in life was her family, of whom she was most proud of.

Joy is survived by her children: Scott Neumann, Deborah (Tim) Irion, Cathy (Don) Pyle, Julie (Del Hofer) Neumann, and Jeff (Vivian) Neumann; grandchildren Seth Neumann and daughter Graylee and son Joshua, Tim Neumann, Libbi (Graham) Hyde and children Henry and Morgan, Chad Irion, Wayne (Augustine) Irion and sons Brandon, Colten and Beckham, Rainie Mullanix and daughter Peyton, Kamron Douglas and children Zoe and Addison, Cory (Calli) Thomas and children Connor and Ali, Jennifer (Jaret) Meidinger and children McKinley, Brooklyn, and Declan, Jarrod Grasby, Jorden (Vinny) and son Callum, Taylor (Lee) Hatley and children Lux and Teller, Trey Neumann, and Kristi Poole and children Shannon and Dylan. Surviving are half-brother Arthur (Sally) Peabody and family, daughter-in-law Teresa Torgerson and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant son Timothy, brother Jack Peabody and sister Dorothy Trenk.

Suggested memorials would be welcome to Custer County Food Bank or of one’s choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Parlor on Saturday, July 16th, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. This will be a time of sharing stories, gathering for prayer and joining the family for a full luncheon.

Service Schedule

Celebration of Life

11:30 a.m.

Saturday July 16, 2022

The Parlor

1806 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Service Schedule

Celebration of Life

11:30 a.m.

Saturday July 16, 2022

The Parlor

1806 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. Our thoughts and prayers to all the family. May memories help you through this loss.

  4. I am so sorry to hear this. Joy was a wonderful, sweet and kind person. I enjoyed knowing her . She will be missed by all who knew her.

  5. To all of Joy’s family, Joy was such a beautiful person inside and out. Sending prayers and my sympathy to all.

  6. To all the family of Joy, she was such a sweet person. When we would see her she was always smiling. A beautiful women. We pray our Dear Lord comforts each of you with your loss of your loved one. Sending Love and hugs

  7. Sweet Joy was always the sweetest lady on earth. There couldn’t have been a better fitting name. She was a joy to everyone that knew her and those who didn’t missed out . I thought of her as my second mom, always there to listen, and give great advice. She always had a funny story to share and a memory like I’ve never seen. The world was a better place because of her! I will miss our phone chats and letters. But I know she will forever be with us in spirit.

  8. No greater woman did I know. She was such a fabulous person. God gained a great angel. God bless all of Joy’s beautiful family. Dennis and Meredith

  9. Kathy and family. I am sorry to read about your mom. She was a wonderful person and always made me feel happy when i saw her. May she rest in peace, for she had a good life.

  10. Neumann Family, I am so very sad to hear about you mom passing,she was always such a lovely person.May God bless and comfort you all as you go through this difficult time together.
    Ruben and June Opp

  12. I am just so sad to learn that Joy passed. The most beautiful person. So lucky to have called her my friend. RIP, Joy. Sorry Debbie and family.

  13. We are so sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. She was such a kind, elegant woman. We enjoyed being her neighbor and our many chats over the years.

  14. Sorry for the loss of your Mother Scott. Thinking of you and your family

    Ron and Shirley Mackney

  16. Joy’s family, I am so sorry to hear about your mother. She was such a lovely lady in every way. There are so many cherished memories of Joy during the years we worked at the hospital and the get together luncheons in the retirement years. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you at this difficult time. Joy will be missed so much by everyone who knew her .

  17. Debbie, Kathy, Julie and Jeff and family, I am so saddened to hear of Mom’s passing, she was such a joy to be able to help, she always said I did too much but thats not true, I am really going to miss seeing her. What a wonderful, sweet lady she was!

  18. Debbie, Cathy, Julie, Jeff and families – so very sorry for the loss of your mother. I’ve never known a lovelier, classier lady and was fortunate to have known and learned from her. I know she will be deeply missed. My love and prayers to you all.

  19. Debbie and Cathy and families. So sorry for your loss. Joy was so cool and loved visiting with her! She and Mom (Roxye Hanley) we’re very good friends! She will be missed by so many?!! Prayers and hugs!

  21. Julie, I am sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. May God continue to bless and comfort you, now and always with the best of memories.

  22. Her name matched her personality! She always had a smile and time to visit. My prayers and sympathy to her family.

  23. Julie and family, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. A bright and beautiful smile gone from you for now. Comfort and peace.

  24. We are so sorry for your loss. Joy was amazing and always showed such grace. I always enjoyed meeting up with her. Blessings of peace and comfort to all the family.

    Joe and Cathi Peila

  25. I am so very sorry to heard about Joy.. She was such a sweet lady and I always enjoyed seeing her. She always had a ready smile and was great to visit with. She will be very missed. My sympathies and prayers are with you all. Be at peace

  26. To the Neumann families, we send our thoughts and prayers! Joy’s life shines through her beautiful children and grandchildren-she was always so happy to be present for your activities and I enjoyed visiting with her at some of those events! Hugs to you all!
    Laurie Claypool and family

  27. My prayers and condolences to Joy’s family on her passing. She was a lovely lady who will be missed.

  28. One of the most beautiful people inside and out!!! May you all be comforted by Jesus in the months ahead!!! I care….

  32. Chris and I send our love and prayers to all of Aunt Joy’s family. She was a such a special and beautiful soul, with a smile that would light up a stadium. What a reunion there was in heaven when she got there. Love you guys.

  33. She was a very special lady! Ric and I send our prayers to you all. May God provide you comfort in your many wonderful memories. She has a very special place in heaven because she was an angel on this earth! Love to you all.

  34. I wish I had words to lighten your agony but sometimes words are just not enough. Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I will remember her always because she always had the best smile.

  35. I always thought that her name “JOY” was such a good fit. She had that contagious smile. You are in my thoughts, my heart and my prayers.
    Virginia Huckins

  36. This saddens me so much. I loved going to the Old Crones luncheon at the Airport Inn every Thursday with her and my mom when I was in town. Joy was always fun. She was such a good friend to my mom. I will miss her as I’m sure all who knew her will.

  37. So sorry to see this. I remember Joy so well from our neighborhood as a child. She was always the sweetest lady. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

  38. Our prayers and condolences to all of Joy’s family. She was a very special lady to me,always a hug an big smile,will miss seeing her.

  40. So sorry to see of your mother’s passing, our prayers and sympathy to all of the family .

  41. I was sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. I remember your Mother from when you all lived on Ivy Street. Your Mother made dynamite ginger snap cookies and at some point my mother got the recipe. After my own Mother’s passing, I ended up with the recipe card and it still says across the top Gingersnaps (Joys). I still refer to them as Joys Gingersnaps and make them at least once a year.

    May you all find comfort in knowing the impact your Mother had on so many.

  42. Julie and family we are so very sorry for your loss of your Mama.
    Out thoughts, prayers, big hugs and love are with you all.
    Warren and Carol (LaRose) Schuetzle
    🙏💞🙏💞🙏💞

  43. Cathy and family, so sorry for your loss!! Your Mom was the sweetest person! My thoughts and prayers are with are with you all!

  44. Joy was a wonderful neighbor and was always so gracious and kind. We loved our time living next to her on North Cottage. Our condolences to her family.

  45. Scott, Debbie, Cathy, Julie, Jeff, and family. I am so sorry to hear the news of your mom’s passing. She was an awesome lady. Her name depicts her with all the “Joy” she brought to all who knew her. She will be missed tremendously. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

  47. Dear Neumann families,
    I’m so sorry to hear of Joy’s passing…. No matter how old they are or how old you are it is so heartbreaking to lose your mother! She was such a beautiful woman, both inside and out. She definitely passed her beautiful smile and personality onto her children! Her smile lit up every room and every one who ever saw her knew she was smiling just for them. She was an elegant woman! i’m sure she’s up having coffee with my mom and all their little girlfriends that used to work at the hospital, the convent, Saint Vincent de Paul! What a joyous reunion she’s having with her husband and her friends and family! My thoughts and prayers are with you for these coming days. 💔🙏🏻😇. She’s watching over you! All the angels smile that pretty and smell that good! 😉

  48. It was sad to hear of Joy’s passing. She was a wonderful lady and I always loved seeing her as her physician. My sympathy to you, Debbie, and to all of you family. May you be comforted by all your fond memories.

  49. We always enjoyed visiting with Joy at family gatherings! She had style and a smile every time we saw her!

  50. Joy , a Beautiful, Elegant Lady will be missed. She and Harold were the Perfect couple. So happy to have been a friend of theirs……

  51. Our deepest sympathy to the family of Joy, what a beautiful lady, inside and out. Prayers to all.

  52. Julie and family,
    Our deepest sympathy on the loss your mother. Thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless!
    Glen and Teena

  53. I’m so sorry to hear of Joy’s passing. She will be missed!
    May beautiful memories be with you all.
    Mel and Kara Keith Maderr

  54. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Joy had a heart of gold. She was such a vibrant and elegant lady. It was always so fun to visit with her.

  55. To Joy’s Family

    I would like to pass along some words on behalf of my mother, Madlon Peabody Brence. Mom and Joy were cousins and born just a couple months apart. It was a difficult era in which to grow up, as I believe Mom was just 9 when her dad passed away. Mom and Joy graduated the 8th grade together. I visited with Mom yesterday and she was reflecting on how difficult those years were. Maybe Joy and Madlon prove something about the strength and resilience of those who grew up in Eastern Montana.

    On a personal note, I remember how my mom would light up when we would see Joy. Not sure if favorite cousin is the correct term, but for sure Joy was one of her favorites.

    Please know that we are thinking of all of you during this difficult time.

  56. Joy was one of the kindest, nicest people I have ever met! She was a faithful friend to my mom, having grown up together in the Ekalaka area. Joy always took time to visit and she always had a beautiful smile to brighten your day! She was well loved by all her many friends and family! Joy will be missed but remembered for her glowing personality and ability to make others smile!

  57. Debbie, Chad, and Kathy…
    I met you Mom/Gramma when I went to work at HRH in 1973! What a true “Joy” she was! Her smile, gentle voice and concern that she showed to everyone she came in contact with was that of a saint! I feel blessed to have known her and you. May God Bless you with Peace in knowing that your Mom is en-JOY-ing and singing with the Angels! God Bless!

  58. To the Neuman family sorry to hear this. She was a wonderful and beautiful lady. My heart goes out to you.Sheila Rickett

  59. It’s hard to say goodbye to such a special Mother, Grandmother, great Grandmother, aunt and cousin but knowing how much she touched all your lives will remain in your memories forever. My sincere sympathy to all of Joy’s many family members and great friends.

  61. To all the family, prayers to you, losing a parent is tough. Joy always had a smile and would always ask how you were doing. She will be dearly missed.

  62. My sincere sympathy gos out to Joy’s family. I first met Joy at the Holy Rosary Hospital our Mom Dad were very sick at the time, we got to visit them twice a week. Joy would be working most of the time and would give us a candy of some kind while we weighed to go up the elevator. When ever I met Mom after that She would talk about her family and ask how my family was doing. Joy was always in good spirits and praised God for all He had given us, that in it’s self made Me a better person…So sorry Deb for your loss God Bless You all…

  63. So sorry for your loss, Julie l still have the letter your mom wrote explaining how we are related (cousin). My god comfort you all. Karen Dorothy Taylor

  64. Kathy & Neuman Family,
    So sorry to hear about the passing of your mom, she always had a smile on her face & so pleasant to visit with. Keeping your family in my thoughts & prayers.
    Heaven gained a very special angel. She will be missed by all who knew her. God Bless to all the family.

  67. One of the truly special ladies from my hometown. I hope she can always hear “Harolds Angels” singing!

  68. We are so sorry for your loss. We always loved pur visits with Joy. She always gave our kids and neighbors candy. May your menories and her love bring you comfort during this difficult time.

  69. So sorry for your loss our thoughts a prayers are with each and everyone in the family.

  70. Julie, Jeff, and families, I am so sorry! You are all in my thoughts and prayers; my heart goes out to all of you.

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