Joan Barbara Elhart, born April 6, 1932, died Friday, May 7, 2014. She had aged 81 years. She died peacefully in the loving care of Country Life Assisted Living, Clancy, Montana. Our thanks to this wonderful facility, the staff and all the people that serve in ministry through the assisted living and nursing professions.
Joan was born in Denver, Colorado. Her parents were Denton D. Dodge and Ruby Marie Dodge (Sundquist/Dahl). She graduated from East High, Denver, Colorado in 1948. She graduated a year early by studying ahead so she could graduate at the same time as her future husband Donald L Elhart who was a year older.
On March 10, 1951 she married her love and partner for life, Donald L. Elhart. She was 19 and he was 20. To this union they were blessed with 3 children – Linda Gail Bosley (Jim); Rick Donn Elhart (Susan), and Steven Mark Elhart (Sunnie). Don and Joan share 6 Grand Children: Heather Marie Muhonen (Tim), James Ryan Bosley (Denisse), Kate Susan Joyce (Jerem), Penny Joan Leslie (Nick), Thomas Lee Elhart and Lindsey Jo Elhart. They also share 3 Great Grandchildren: Olivia Muhonen, Aubrie Muhonen and Rian Muhonen.
Joan B. Elhart was a committed wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was wonderful with little people and grandchildren. She was goofy and fun. She had great love for them. She provided great guidance to her children and grandchildren in their early years but was not the coach but the dependent one as they turned 14 and older. Her heart was always there but she struggled with a minor mental illness that particularly challenged her and her family in her later years. A fear of authority, a fear of physicians and a sense of foreboding rode with her especially though her years starting in her 40’s and through her final days. One way she coped was by trying to control those close to her. There was harm from this, especially to her dear and loyal husband Don, who demonstrated the patience of Job as he continued as a true and loyal husband. Not always is great wisdom and strength there from our elders. In them sometimes we must recognize that they too are children of God and are working their way through. Mom helped us and others at this time however by sharing this part of her story. Our elders are not perfect and we cannot expect this from them. Two things we learn from our parents and elders in this life. The things they do well – and in that we can endeavor to emulate and the things they do not do well – and in that we can endeavor to do better. In fact we have the chance to springboard away from pain to incredible strength. In Mom, we had the opportunity to do both.
One tremendous strength Joan possessed, her undying Love and commitment to her family. She truly loved all of us with all her heart. She also prayed for each of us continuously all through the day and night. We will miss the strength of those prayers. But in that, we can each endeavor to emulate and to replace those prayers through increasing our prayers for one another. Family, it can be the greatest strength to each of us, only to be surpassed by the love and guidance of Jesus Christ.
We now begin a new Chapter. Don and Joan’s children: Linda, Rick and Steve are the new Matriarch and Patriarchs. The grand children: Heather, James, Kate, Penny, Thomas and Lindsey step up a notch as full adults with all the privileges and expectations of maturity, strength and leadership. Good news! We are all ready! Don and Joan you did well! The Legacy you have created represents you well. We are collectively so blessed.
Now until we see you again: Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, Friend Rest in Peace!
O Lord, support us all the day long of this troubled life, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes and the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then, Lord, in your mercy grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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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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DEBBIE MURGEL SCHRAMM says
I WILL MISS JOAN VERY MUCH, SHE AND I HAD SOME VERY GOOD TALKS. I WAS GLAD THAT I WAS THERE TO HELP TAKE CARE OF HER AND TOBY. SHE WILL BE MISSED, BUT SHE WILL BE AT PEACE AND LOOK DOWN UPON US WITH THAT SMILE. SHE WILL ALWAYS BE IN YOUR HEARTS AND MEMORIES. JOAN WAS A VERY COMPASSIONATE PERSON AND ALWAYS WAS VERY THOUGHTFUL IN HER OWN WAY. KEEP YOUR CHINS UP AND SMILE FOR HER. THINKING OF YOU ALL AND MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. LOVE DEBBIE
David Rusoff says
I met Joan at Country Life Assisted Living on July 16, 2013, the day I moved my elderly father there from Missoula. Joan greeted us right away and made us feel very welcome, which was a great comfort. From that day, Joan was a good friend, we visited most days, and I enjoyed visiting with her and her Shih Tsu, Toby, her loyal companion and noble protector. Although her daily life was a struggle at that point, Joan always asked about my father, and we shared a lot of laughs, along with the hard times. But she always bore the hard days and the approaching end of her life on earth with dignity and was an inspiration to me. I will always miss her.