Joanne Slade

Joanne Slade April 27, 1935 - May 30, 2018 The earth will spin with less strength and sass, but the Heavens are already snickering more. On Wednesday, May 30, 2018 Joanne Marlene Slade, 83, passed away at RiverStone Hospice Home after a short battle with cancer. Joanne, the baby of seven, was born on April 27, 1935 to Henry and Louise Kautz in Elgin, ND. She moved to Billings, MT in 1944 where she graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1953. She then worked as a telephone operator at “Ma Bell.” After a little “interference” from her brother, Glenn Kautz, Joanne met and married Mac L. Slade on August 16, 1957. In 1959, Joanne and Mac moved to Portland, OR where Mac attended dental school. While in Portland, Joanne worked to put Mac through school and start a family. Cameron Clayton was the first of three boys, followed by Matthew Lyle 14 months later. After Mac's graduation, the Slades moved back to Billings where their third son, Joel Mayberry, was born. Mac and Joanne bought a house in the 2500 block of Cook Avenue where Joanne would raise her three boys. Joanne was very involved in the local community. She played a part in every activity surrounding her boys from Little League and the high school booster club to Cub Scouts. Joanne was also very involved with Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd where she made lifelong friendships. Joanne's favorite time of year was Christmas. Every year she hosted her annual Christmas open house. The gathering was a joyous and busy time at the Slade home. Joanne welcomed friends and family to share their favorite dishes, tell old and new stories, and spin a few yarns. Grandma Jo's life passions centered around her family. She had much love for her siblings, nieces and nephews, her boys, her daughters-in-law, and her seven grandchildren. She enjoyed nothing more than to have them all together, crack a joke, and make them laugh. Welcoming Joanne in Heaven: Her husband, Dr. Mac L. Slade, her parents, and her sisters and brothers Paul Kautz, Lillie Lengowski, Dr. Alvern Kautz, Della Kuhn, and Ruby Faw. Joanne leaves behind her brother Glenn (Jeannette) Kautz; sisters-in-law Marsha Price, Frances Slade, Tonya Waldhauser; brother-in-law Ed Waldhauser; children Cameron (Terri), of Redmond, WA, Dr. Matthew Slade (Angela) and Joel (Jeanelle) of Billings. Joanne's seven grandchildren Carson, Garrett, Olivia, Delaney, Haddy, Carter and Alli are all so very fortunate to have had such a wonderful grandma. You did an amazing job, Gram, and you will forever keep us smiling. A special thanks to Billings Clinic nurses, RiverStone Hospice House employees, and Marsha Price, for all of your loving care. Memorial services will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 9, at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice.