Joseph Stokes

Joseph Stokes (Joe), 69, a resident of Dixon passed away from a

motorcycle accident on Aug. 28.

He was born at Ronan on April 17, 1953 to Roy J. Stokes& Nellie J. Brown Stokes of St. Ignatius, joining several brothers and sisters. Later the family moved to Seeley Lake, where he graduated from high school. He worked at the sawmills and the Forest Service.

Going to Garland, Utah with his family, he worked for at a time at the sugar beet factory before returning to Missoula where he met the love of his life, Wanda Bowers. Their 47th anniversary was last April. They both worked for Real Log Homes Company until it closed and they moved to Arlee, then Dixon.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping, riding his motorcycles and overhauling cars. They looked like they were straight off the show floor. Beautiful! He enjoyed spending time with his family, nephews, cousins, nieces, especially Melissa Christensen and Sophia Stokes and his little buddy Fig, next door. Joe always had time for projects and stories.

He was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Nellie Stokes, brother Larry Stokes, and sister Sadie Jean Young (Jean).

He leaves behind his wife Wanda Bowers Stokes, sisters Joelene McNealey (Jody), Ruth Maiers, Faye Langley, Leathy Hansen & Roxy Cordis; brothers Lloyd (Pearl), Richard “Dick” (Rita), Jerald Ray “Jerry”, & James Leo “Leo” (Frances) and his little buddy Fig. Sisters-in-laws Shawna and Vince Ruffinssonielle, Pamela and Ken Cline, Princess and Ron Tabor; brothers-in-law Charles “Charlie” Bowers and Timothy “Tim” (Karen) Bowers and many, many nephews, cousins and special friends.

A special thanks to everyone for your prayers, calls and support at this time. Joe will be greatly missed by all. We loved him so much.

A memorial celebration will be held Oct. 8, 2022 at noon at the Dixon, Montana Senior Center. A potluck dinner will follow.