JoAnn Fercho Mims

On October 24, 2025, in the early morning hours, Jesus came to escort JoAnn Fercho Mims to her new and eternal Home. She left the old and broken behind and stepped into the "All things New!"
JoAnn was born June 23, 1958, to Pastor Don and Elenor Fercho in Jamestown, North Dakota. She was their fourth child, following Sandra, James, and Mark. JoAnn was born with a rare congenital disorder called Sturge Weber syndrome. It presented many difficulties which were faced with dignity and love. This disorder did not define JoAnn; she owned it and defined it with her personal signature mark: Head up and a 1000-watt smile as she moved straight forward. The beauty of her soul shone through and touched many lives. She was a courageous and fierce warrior in the battle of life. JoAnn wasn't supposed to live very long, that being told her parents by the diagnosing doctors. Obviously, Father God had other plans. Her life of 67 + years was well lived and through challenges, joys, sorrows, adventures or drudgery, JoAnn loved life and wanted to experience it to the full. God wisely and kindly gave JoAnn an earthly father who impressed into her that she was very capable to do anything she set her heart and will to do. She loved her dad deeply for his positive influence.
The family lived in Drayton, North Dakota for the first 8.5 years of JoAnn's life. In 1968 the family moved to Glendive, MT where they lived for many years. JoAnn graduated from Dawson County High School in 1976. She worked as a CNA in the Glendive Medical Center. JoAnn didn't let anything, or anybody stop her. Though tiny in form, she was a tenacious giant in spirit. Being intelligent, ambitious, and young, she had a strong desire to live her life fully and grow as a person. This ambition led her to make a move from Glendive to Great Falls, MT. She enrolled in the vo-tech college with the goal of graduating from there with a Business Degree, which she did. JoAnn graduated June 2, 1988. She would look for positions in medical transcription or medical secretary. But first, she returned to Glendive and joined her parents in their traveling evangelist's ministry. JoAnn contributed with her beautiful voice, singing specials. Music was always important to her.
An offer came for a job opportunity in Kalispell, MT. It was a customer service phone center and with her great communication and articulation skills, JoAnn would excel in this position. Next came an opening in Phoenix, AZ. No matter that it was a long drive where she had never been, JoAnn packed her car with all her belongings and away she went! Ready for an adventure she was confident she would do quite well.
And She Did! She loved living in Phoenix; the weather suited her perfectly and the job was an amazing fit for JoAnn. She made a good living for herself and grew in confidence and contentment.
In 2009 JoAnn's health took a bad turn. She had no choice but to return to Montana. In Bozeman she would move in with her mother who was a widow now. They attended the Belgrade Assembly of God church and simply loved Pastor John, his wife Linda and their family. Friendships were formed that gave them laughter, encouragement, and strength. They shared many warm memories of the great group of ladies from the church.
Again, health issues made it necessary for JoAnn and her mother to move to Malta, MT where son and brother, James and wife Nancy and their family members and friends would help in making day to day life easier and more comfortable for the two. They came to Malta in April of 2022. Elenor passed in February of 2025. Jim and Nancy opened their home to JoAnn where she was lovingly cared for. August 10, 2025, JoAnn was hospitalized and would remain in hospital hospice care up to the time of her passing. JoAnn loved life and family and friends deeply. She will be watching for the great reunion in heaven and will want to see YOU there.
JoAnn is preceded in death by her parents, Don and Elenor Fercho, and niece Nancy Bishop Chisala. Closest family living include, Sister: Sandra (Gary) Bishop with children, Les (Mandy), Carissa (Pat) Bland and Jared (Tiana) Bishop; Brother: Jim (Nancy) with children, Tiffaney (Paul) Chisala, Holly (Ryan) Salveson and Jameson (Nicole) Fercho; and Brother: Mark (Michelle) Fercho with children, (daughter) Ilea and (son) Nicholas. There are relatives too numerous to mention here who brought joy to JoAnn's heart. She loved you all.
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