Sally Jo Haynie

The world changed for the better on Jan. 22, 1982, when Sally Jo Page was born into the Steve and Michele (Etchart) Page family.

Named for her godparents Sarah Etchart and Joe Etchart, she was the caboose of four children and she kept the whole family on its toes. Nicknamed Cyclone Sally at an early age, for what would later develop into the fierce independence with which she lived life her own way, she gave a little piece of her sweet and sassy self to all she encountered. Sally Jo grew up on the family ranch near Tampico. She was, from a young age and throughout her life, crazy about dogs and horses and was a member of the Tampico Boys 4-H Club. She attended school in Glasgow, where many lives were touched by Sally Jo's special ways. One most notable was when she played cupid between her third-grade teacher and a young man who worked on the ranch; Tye and Cindy Holom will celebrate 20 years of marriage this year, making it clear that Sally Jo had a gift for connecting people from a very early age.

In high school she served as a Senate Page in Helena and a manager for the Scotty wrestling team. She graduated in 2001 with an incredible group of friends who she led into more than a little mischief (usually in her Buick Regal), none of which resulted in any arrests. A taste for adventure led her to the East Coast, where she worked as a nanny for two different families, attended college and received certification as an aesthetician. Along the way, she developed deep bonds with a new group of friends of all ages while maintaining those from her childhood. Notably, George W. Bush had the honor of making her acquaintance. Sally Jo had an extraordinary way of relating with people that spanned time and distance.

In 2008, Sally Jo returned to Billings to be closer to family and in her words, "grow up." She worked as an aesthetician and tried her hand at advertising sales, where her talent for negotiating made her an instant success. Sally Jo's ultimate life adventure began in 2009 when true love found her in the form of Nathanael Frederick Haynie. The youngest of 13 children from a Circle farm family, Nathan was an outstanding complement to Sally Jo. A modern romance developed between the two as Sally Jo, Nathan and his son Noah began navigating life together. Each became the other's biggest fan, and they were married in 2010. Later that year, Haylie Michele was born, completing the puzzle of their happy little family. Sally Jo was meant for motherhood, and Haylie was the recipient of unconditional love, Christian guidance and special days, each and every day.

It seemed a small setback when Sally Jo was diagnosed with cervical cancer in November 2014. A routine treatment plan was implemented, and Sally Jo remained faithful, brave and optimistic. All the while, she developed great relationships with each of her caregivers - doctors, nurses, techs and aides alike. January 2015 brought the end of treatment and a desire to get back to life as usual. Unfortunately, Sally Jo's cancer had other plans. It returned and was discovered in March and turned Sally Jo's life upside down. Second and third opinions were sought from the best doctors in the world and it was determined that prior actions taken and the future plan recommended by Sally Jo's care team in Billings were the best available options. She began treatment with hopes of remission. In April she learned that the disease was winning and she was experiencing renal failure. Surrounded by family, Sally Jo received the Anointing of the Sick Sacrament from her trusted Catholic priest and friend, Father Steve Zabrocki. She moved to RiverStone Hospice to live out her days in peace and comfort. Until the end, on May 15, 2015, her wish was to have her family nearby and she kept them laughing at her antics through their pain in losing her. Cancer may have taken her body, but it did not harm her spirit.

Sally Jo was known for her generosity, concern for others above self, throwing a great party, having a forgiving heart, enjoying a laugh and a good joke, and connecting deeply with those she encountered. Also, she was the master of the complicated favor, both as requestor and fulfiller. A striking beauty, it seems impossible, but she was truly more beautiful on the inside than the outside. Sally Jo held family very dear and had unique and loyal friendships with each of her parents and siblings. She lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. Beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, granddaughter, niece, cousin, aunt, in-law and friend. ~ Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.

Sally Jo was preceded in death by her grandfather Kenneth Page, cousin Jacob Etchart, nephew Jonathan Haynie and cherished shih-tzu Tres.

Sally Jo is survived by her husband, Nathan; daughter, Haylie; stepson, Noah; her parents, Steven and Michele Page; brother Matt (Angie and their daughters Elizabeth, Emmalynn and Gina); brother Peter; sister Mary (Lars Hanson); grandparents Gene and Elaine Etchart, and Lucille Page; mother-in-law, Mabel Haynie; all of Nathan's 12 brothers and sisters, their children and grandchildren; many uncles, aunts and cousins; and two shih-tzus, Vino and Harlie.

Her funeral will be held at St. Raphael's Church in Glasgow at 11a.m., on May 19, with burial immediately following. Additionally, a celebration of Sally Jo's life will be held in Billings at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Sally Jo asked that gifts be made to the Sally Jo Haynie Angel Fund, c/o Grace Montessori Academy, 4809 Grand Ave., Billings, MT 59106, to pay it forward to other families who fall on hard times, or to a charity of your choice.