Jeanette Ruth Jochim

Jeanette McAlpine Jochim was born on March 6, 1944, to Arthur and Ruth Matson.

She was raised in Shelby, Montana, where she graduated from Shelby High School. Soon after, she married Alex McAlpine, and together they welcomed two sons, Jay and James. Jeanette lived a life centered around family, hard work, and community. She was actively involved on the farm, raised her boys with care and dedication, and played an important role in the Sunburst community.

After her sons were grown, she began working at the Sweetgrass Post Office and later transferred to the Conrad Post Office, a move that eventually brought her to Bigfork to be near her sisters and their families.

While in Bigfork, Jeanette met Larry Jochim, a “highline” man who quickly captured her heart. They were married in Coeur d’Alene, surrounded by their blended family. Together, Jeanette and Larry shared many adventures, traveling far and wide and building a life full of memories.

She continued her work with the post office until retiring, all while cherishing time spent with her extended family. In her retirement years, Jeanette found joy in giving back to her community, playing mahjong and bridge, and making frequent trips to Sunburst to visit her grandchildren.

She later moved to Village Greens in Kalispell, where she joined the golf league and enjoyed her home and community. Eventually, she returned to Bigfork to be closer to her sister Elaine and made her home at Rising Mountains Assisted Living.

Jeanette was diagnosed with dementia in 2018, and the disease took her too soon. She passed on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

She is survived by her sister, Elaine Toole Adkins of Bigfork; her sons, Jay (Wendy) of Sunburst and James (Khrystal) of Kalispell and her grandchildren, Crystal McAlpine (Trevor), Jayleen Nelson (Justin), Mariah Lewis, and Lane Lewis. She also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren—Kacey, Karter, Oran, Daxon, Jesse, Kennedy, and Noah, whom she loved dearly. She is also lovingly remembered by her special nieces, Cherie Hansen and Diana LaMott of Bigfork, her partners in fun.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Mary Peterson, James Matson, John Matson, Joyce Grinde, and Shirley Matson.

As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate a life well lived and the many memories of the joy of being together. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.