Joan Lucille Isaacs Smith

Joan Lucille Issacs "Jo" was born to Herman and Lucille (Perso) Isaacs on September 10, 1937 in Lewistown, Montana. She lived on dairy farms with her parents in Lewistown and Great Falls before moving to Gladstone, OR.

 

She graduated high school at Gem State Academy in the spring of 1956 and married her high school sweetheart Charlie Smith in September of that same year. They moved to College Place, WA where Jo attended a nearby community college, receiving her LPN degree. While in College Place, Jo and Charlie had their first 3 children Cheri, Greg, and Shanna. After Charlie graduated from college they moved to Willard, WA where Jo worked nights in Hood River, OR as a  labor and delivery nurse. They lived in Willard 7 years where their last child, Shellie was born.

 

In 1968 they moved to Bozeman, Montana where Jo continued to work as an LPN then as a secretary in medical offices. She became an insurance agent then later worked as a hardware rep traveling throughout Montana.

 

Jo had a passion for her children and grandchildren. She was a caregiver through and through with a heart for the elderly, downtrodden and hurting. Jo and Charlie’s home was a refuge to many, including teens attending Mount Ellis Academy where they were welcomed as part of the family.

 

Jo was very talented with many hobbies, but her love of flowers and gardening were her passion. Every summer you could find her in her garden in the early mornings and evenings. She loved the Lord, was a prayer warrior and spent countless hours in the Word. She had a sweet sense of humor and was warm and comforting. She treasured her friends who were a large part of her life.

 

We miss her so much and look forward to seeing her again. It is beyond comprehension how beautiful that reunion will be.

 

She was proceeded in death by her parents Herman and Lucille (Cindy) Isaacs; her husband Charlie Smith of 67 years; her grandson Aaron Snyder. She is survived and lovingly remembered by her brother Ron Isaacs; her children Cheri (Bill) Kirkpatrick, Greg (Pam) Smith, Shanna (Matt) Sample and Shellie (Jeff) Leek; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandhildren and many other family and friends whose lives she blessed.