Joan Standish
March 23, 1927 - September 03, 2015
Obituary
Joan Rodems Standish, Vernon's beloved wife of 69 years, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2015. At the young age of 19, Joan's adventurous spirit and newly married love carried her from her eastern roots and her parents, Fred and Frances Hofmayr Rodems of Buffalo, N.Y., to the “wild” west. Eventually settling in Big Timber, MT, Joan and Vernon raised a family of seven. In Big Timber, Joan was active in St. Joseph's church, Girl Scouts, and many personal creative interests such as gourmet cooking, watercolor painting, sea shells, photography, wildflowers, horseback riding, hiking and caring for her ever expanding family. Her love of nature reveled in the beauty of Montana. Joan climbed Crazy Peak, painted the Teton Mountains, photographed the outdoors and named a hidden waterfalls on the Boulder River, “Trinity Falls”. She delighted in being able to identify most of the wild flowers and plants encountered on family hikes. Joan also enjoyed finding edible plants in the wild. In 1973, Joan and Vernon moved to Billings. Actively involved and supportive of Gonzaga University's extended education programs, Joan earned a B.A. degree in Theology from GU. Joan spent her life confident that she was held in God's loving hands. Joan is survived by her husband Vernon, four sons: John, James, David and Mark and three daughters: Mary Seltzer, Elizabeth Ulmen and Jane Medin. Joan leaves behind 20 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Her sparkling blue eyes which always shined brighter in Vernon's presence will be deeply missed. Visitation will be 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Monday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday at Dahl Chapel. Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 9 at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Committal will be in Calvary Cemetery.
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Memories
D
Denise
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Jesus taught that all those in the memorial tombs would be resurrected (John 5:28). We can be assured that our loved ones are in gods memory as Isaiah 40:26 states that God calls the billions of stars by name.
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paula froehner
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Doc, Mary,John,James,Elizabeth,David,Mark, and Jane, I am so sorry to hear of Jane's passing.I have manyyy wonderful memories of times our families spent together at your house, up the Boulder at the cabin or out at our ranch. Jane was a wonderful, beautiful spirit and a special friend to many. Love and prayers to you all. Paula Hanson Froehner.
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Sandy (Fellows) Thomas
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Having graduated with John from Sweet Grass County High School leaves me with great memories of Mrs. Standish and her family while living in Big Timber. She was an amazing woman who loved her family and cared deeply for them. She was married to one of the best doctors ever who worked 24 hours 7 days a week in Big Timber so that alone says a lot about the type of woman she was. We extend our deepest sympathy to you all and will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Ron and Sandy (Fellows) Thomas