Jeanne Marie (Joki) Tanner passed peacefully with her family on Monday November 9, 2020. She was 95 years old.
Jeanne was born in Butte and spent most of her 95 years there, her pride of the town never faltered. She spoke of the hay days of Girl’s Central, trolly cars and bustling streets; the boys she knew who fought in WWII and danced at the USO.
Jeanne was a trailblazer for women in business spending over 40 years as an accountant/corporate secretary at Roberts Rocky Mountain Equipment Company. She was the owner of the uptown dress shop, J. J.s Klothes Kloset. Jeanne was passionate about politics and ran for office for the first time at the age of 83. She won and served two terms as public administrator. Jeanne prided herself as being an accomplished woman and mother, but was likely also known for her lavish cocktail parties and stylish dress, which always included pearls and high heels. She belonged to the same card club for over 60 years, volunteered at St. James Hospital for 15 years, volunteered in the schools reading with children and had many friends. She loved to travel and Tony Bennett.
Jeanne is preceded in death by her parents; Leonard Backstrom and Anne Cecelia Kinsella, her siblings; Rosemary, Michael, Chris, Marty, Anne, Jim and Joe Backstrom, her spouses: Leo Joki and Jack Tanner, and her daughter-in-law, Angela Joki. She is survived by her sister Frances Oswald of Great Falls. She was the mother of 5 children: Kris (Hugh) Roberts, Laura (Gerald) Peyton, Leah Joki (John Westenberg), J. Michael Joki and Kate Joki (Dan) Rose. She was blessed with 9 grandchildren; Joslyn Carney, H.J. Roberts, Reid Peyton, Taylor Aponavicius, Alex Peyton, Mikel Butler, Nelo Butler, Jenna Joki and Hannah Joki. She also had 8 great grandchildren.
Jeanne was the matriarch of a big, diverse family and will be missed dearly. In lieu of flowers please make donations in her honor to the Butte Food Bank and St. Ann’s Church. You may also donate professional clothes for battered women at Safe Space of Butte.
Due to the corona virus, the family has chosen to delay her memorial service and interment to July 2021. This will allow all of her family to travel and celebrate an extraordinary life, well lived. Be sure to attend in your finest dress… and pearls, of course.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jeanne.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Barbara Beeby says
Dear Kris and Family. I am so glad I was given the privilege of knowing Jeanne and being her senior companion, if only for a year. What a fabulous individual. The stories… I will miss her and our coffee breaks at the Dirty Dozen. My deepest sympathies for your loss.
Joan Heberly says
Thinking of you And your family Kris
Grace Scharff says
Our deepest sympathy & prayers for the whole Family!
We loved Aunt Jeanne & have the most precious memories of her and Uncle Jack!! They were a special couple, married 40 years!
God Bless each of you and may you be comforted by the Lord Jesus during this time.
Love, Tim & Grace Scharff & Family – Missoula
Alice Oswald-Vogel says
My prayers and sympathy to all of you at this time. Aunt Jeanne will be missed. More than anything I appreciated her sense of humor. I was glad that Aunt Jeanne was able to be there for my mom after my dad passed. I hope you know that we are family even though we live miles apart. Always your cousin, Alice Oswald-Vogel
Chris Leary says
Not only did Jeanne dress with personal style, she loved decorating and organizing her beautiful home. I had fun shopping with Jeanne to find just the right purse and earrings to complete an outfit or a lamp and side table that not only would compliment her other decor but even better if we could find a good deal. Jeanne and I loved finding a good price for something she wanted. To top it all off we would end our outing with a visit to Steves Cafe for biscuits and gravy! Jeanne was a fun gal to spend the afternoon with!
Lawrence D Oswald says
So sorry to hear the news. I was glad mom and I could get together and visit Jean last month. We cherish every minute we have had with aunt jean I will always remember the great times we had with our families over the years, and how blessed we all are. We will keep you in our prayers and with you all the best.
Tom Jonart says
So very sorry for your loss,your Mother was a true lady.She was always smiling and always wanted to know all about the family.She was a fantastic neighborhood Mom.I will never forget the Club night dinner and playing cards,telling each other all about their family.
Lee and Julie Graham says
We are so sorry to hear of Jean’s passing. It’s been a hard week for the Adams Street gang. She was an amazing lady and such a good friend to Mom. Sending love and prayers to all
Cookie O’Connell says
Jake and family. I am so sorry about your Mom. She was an amazing Lady snd had an amazing life. May she Rest In Peace.
Nancey Ruark says
I’m so grateful I was able to find a great friend in Jeanne. She and I talked about anything and everything. We planned on me getting to Helena for a visit, but the traveler in her didn’t allow it…..and then 2020 hit. Enough said.
She was sooooo proud of her children and grandchildren. I feel like I know all of you.
I love you, Jeanne.
John Monahan says
Heaven gained a very classy lady on November 9th! I have such fond memories of growing up with your family and being blessed to have your Mom keeping an eye on all of us. I’m sure her old gang met her at the gates with open arms. Sending prayers to all of you.