Joey Ann Hettick

Joey Ann Hettick

Joey Ann Hettick, 70, of Dixon passed on Sunday, August 22nd after a valiant battle with metastatic breast cancer.

She was born to Winfred P. (Jerry) and Inez (Huestis) Halter in Havre and was raised near Big Sandy on the Halter Ranch along the Missouri River. Over her life, she lived in Winifred, Great Falls, Power, Florence, Evaro, and Dixon. In each of these places, she made many dear, lifelong friends.

Joey had so many talents, passions, and loves. She was an exceptional cook; beginning in jobs in the Winifred and Power Public School systems to eventually following her dream of owning her own café. Along with her dad, they built the JoJo Café in Evaro, which later became the Silvernale Restaurant and Lounge. Her homemade soups, pies, and cinnamon rolls were out of this world! She also loved quilting, gardening, always had a yard full of flowers, and a patio filled with feeders for her favorite hummingbirds. One of her dearest loves was her dogs. There were many great companions over the years; most recently, her Doxies and German Shepherds were ALWAYS by her side.

Joey was an entrepreneur and businesswoman. She and her husband, Harley, started growing muskmelons, which grew into Dixon Melon, Inc. Their melons became famous the world over. 'Melon Season' was always the center and highlight of their year; everything stopped for 'Melon Season'! She ran the show, eventually expanding deliveries from a few farmers markets to stores across the state. Everyone knew the Dixon Melon Queen!

Joey and Harley also started Big Sky Tractor in Missoula and owned it for many years. This endeavor stirred another passion for traveling and she and Harley would be off to visit several countries and go on many cruises: usually traveling with family and several dear friends.

Family was Joey's center and she loved having a house full, especially with all her grandkids. Gatherings and great meals were the best of times. Her presence, as the Matriarch of the family-- mom, wife, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend-will be so deeply missed.

Joey is preceded in death by her father, Winfred P. (Jerry) Halter; her mother, Inez Lucille (Huestis) Halter; her brother, Donald Fox, and her step-son, Greg Hettick.

She is survived by her husband, Harley; children, Wendy (Ken) Gray of Texas, Sherri (Jerry) Strobel of Billings, Faus (Cassie) Silvernale of Dixon, Guy (Yolanda) Silvernale of Arlee, Michelle Hettick (Brad) Barth of South Dakota, and daughter-in-law Marsha Hettick; special kids, Kent (Rhea) Crossland, Laura (Wally) Esterby; as well as many other honorary children; 11 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren. Her siblings, Eldonna (Loren) Jenkins of Big Sandy, Carolyn Norris of Missoula, Butch Halter of Billings, Jack (Bev) Halter of Rudyard and Gay (Ron) Pearson of Big Sandy, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life/services are pending… as it is 'Melon Season' and as Joey would say, "Nothing can happen during 'Melon Season'!"

Arrangements are under the direction of Foster Funeral Home and Crematory of St. Ignatius, MT.