Juanita "Nita" Lorraine Creach, age 72, passed away suddenly of natural causes on the morning of November 25, 2023 in
Helena, Montana. Her infectious laughter and impactful work with Capital High School youth left a beacon of light for all in the Helena community.
Nita was born on October 21,1951 to Elizabeth "Betty" L. Pieper-Creach and Jack M. Creach Sr. She was the middle of three children, and is survived by her close brother Jack M. Creach Jr. of
Salem, Oregon. Nita often spoke fondly of the youngest child, Jeffery, honoring the memory of their brother who sadly did not survive past age one.
Nita graduated from Helena High School in 1970 and kept in close contact with classmates, including weekly lunches and organizing class reunions. She also attended Walla Walla College and Flathead Valley Community College, and was a strong proponent of continuing education and skills development. Nita always believed you were capable of far more than you realized.
Above all, Nita enjoyed helping others. She worked for 21 years at Capital High School in the Credit Recovery classes, inspiring countless youth to graduate high school and make positive choices in their lives. She refused to give up on her students, no matter the struggle, and continued to support them far beyond the classroom. She retired in June 2023; her inspirational reach was remembered by Capital High School Principal Brett Zanto:
"Nita helped so many students graduate and she was a fixture at Capital High School. If I needed to know anything that was going on in the school, I'd go to Nita. She always tried to get us as connected as possible with students."
Nita was also recently recognized by current UFC Bantamweight Champion fighter Sean O'Malley as being a key supporter, encouraging him to pursue his dreams. We could always count on Nita to set us straight with words of wisdom, sage advice and, sometimes, tough love.
Growing up, Nita loved riding horses and camping. She belonged to the Helena Trail Riders and participated in O-Mok-See competitions; her favorite event was the cowhide drag. She had recently rejoined the Trail Riders, helping out at meetings and showing up to support the kids' competitions. Nita was also her niece's biggest fan, always there to encourage all of Dawn Creach's horse riding and rodeo endeavors.
Nita always had a special connection with animals and they, having good instincts, loved her as much as she loved them.
Nita also loved her family dearly and relished tracing the Creach and Pieper family history. She devoted her time and energy for many years as the caregiver to her beloved mother, Betty, who had dementia. Nita would drop everything to attend to those who needed help, were sick, or simply wanted to engage in a marathon phone call.
We will lovingly remember Nita's strong will, stubbornness, and a great sense of humor. Her smile would light up any room.
Nita is survived by Jack M. Creach, Jr. (brother) and his wife Barb Myers-Creach (sister-in-law), E. Dawn Creach (niece), James A. Creach (nephew), Tyler Creach (great niece), and countless other relatives, friends, students, and colleagues.
The Creach family is establishing a scholarship fund in Nita's name for Capital High School students in Credit Recovery classes who wish to pursue higher education, vocational or trade schools, or other forms of betterment. More information will follow for those who wish to donate to the fund in Nita's name.
A celebration of life will occur in late spring with details to be shared soon.