Michael and JoAnn (Chrisman) Sherrard

Michael Allen Sherrard was welcomed into the world on October 26 th , 1948, JoAnn

on September 5, 1947. They were united in marriage on September 20 th , 1975. This

strong fifty yearlong marriage was filled with love and laughter, tears and tribulations,

parenthood and partnership. Through five decades of love, they only knew separation

for only a few brief weeks.

If you were lucky enough to know this couple, you could see how well they

complimented each other. Mike was very jovial, full of jokes, laughter and always had a

huge smile on his face. JoAnn absolutely emanated light, love and pure joy through her

warm eyes and smile. Every visit shared with them left you with warmth in your heart

and a new joke for your repertoire.

Mike was best known for his passion for outdoor pursuits. Teaching hunter’s safety to

Montana youth for decades. Some of my favorite memories with my dad involved

setting up ice houses in the winter, goose blinds in the fall and going out to the lake in

the summer to “drown a worm” trying to catch a fish. If he ever spotted a deer in a field

on a family car ride, he made sure you saw it-even if that meant reversing down the

highway to point it out. For some reason, mom never saw the humor in that.

JoAnn, on the other hand, is best remembered for her brilliant creativity. She was an

absolutely excellent seamstress. Her skill with freehand embroidery was unmatched

and inspired her to run her own business out of the home. She named this business

Strawberry Jo’s. She mentored many young girls as a 4-H sewing leader, myself

included. We spent countless hours at her sewing machine creating various projects

and developing a deep, lifelong bond. She continued her sewing into old age, constantly

thinking of gifts to create for other people. Each handmade creation was a treasure filled

with thought and love. She was the most generous, thoughtful person-just an absolute

gem.

Mike peacefully departed this world on November 5 th , 2025. JoAnn, on November

23 rd , 2025. Losing both parents so close together is a pain I would never wish on

anybody. It is indescribable. However, the knowledge that they’re now reunited, with no

physical ailments or worries brings me solace and peace. I will deeply miss our daily

talks, holidays together, weekend visits, exchanging of jokes and friendship. My heart

aches, but I understand that this was all part of God’s divine plan. I love my mom and

dad more than words could ever describe and am eternally grateful to God for choosing

them for me.

Mike is survived by his son, Brandon (Lori), daughter Melissa (Deen), granddaughter

Elliott, a brother, sister, many nieces, nephews and friends. JoAnn is survived by her

son, Brandon (Lori), daughter Melissa (Deen), birth daughter Llonda, granddaughters

Elliott and Aubry, grandson Bryce, a brother, sister, nieces and nephews and many

friends. A joint celebration of life will be held in the spring. A notice will follow closer to

that date.