Joanne Jeanette Gariepy

Joanne Jeanette Gariepy of St. Ignatius, 76, died Jan. 9, 2014 in Bullhead City, Ariz, with her children by her side.

She was born Dec. 18, 1937 in Harlem, Mont. to Gordon and Ann Lawrence (Stockton). During her childhood she also lived in Fort Benton and Eugene, Ore.  In 1951 Joanne and her parents Ben and Ann moved to St. Ignatius.  She attended St. Ignatius High School.

Joanne married Pete Gariepy on June 25, 1955 in Helena.  They resided in St. Ignatius, where Pete went to work for Lake County Bank in the family business.  When their children were older, Joanne also went to work in the bank.  She retired in 2007, but still sat on the Board of Directors.

When her children were younger, Joanne was active as a Home Room Mother, PTA and the summer Athletics Programs.  Later in life, she enjoyed traveling, bingo and her home in Arizona.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents Ben and Ann Weber, her father Gordon Lawrence, husband Pete, daughter Cheryl, granddaughter Dawn and long-time companion Fred Gilleard.

Joanne is survived by her brother Bill Weber (Genie) Missoula, sister Linda Larsen (Mel) Charlo, daughters Ann Gariepy of Corpus Christi, Texas and Laurie Marshall of Lewisville, Texas, sons Fred Gariepy (Linnea) of St. Ignatius, and Charley Gariepy (Karolynn) of St, Ignatius, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are being handled by Foster Funeral Home in St. Ignatius. Services were held at St. Ignatius Catholic Mission Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014. Interment was at the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery.  

Condolences may be left at fosterfhandcrematory.com.