Joan Janice (Audet) Sell January 4, 1938 – August 25, 2023
In the afternoon of August 25, 2023, Joan passed away at St Peter’s Health in Helena, MT after an extended illness. Joan passed peacefully, surrounded by family. She was 85 years old.
Born in Scobey, Montana on January 4, 1938, Joan was the sixth and youngest child of the late Donald and Leonie Audet. Growing up on the family farm in Four Buttes, Montana, she attended LaPierre School – a one room schoolhouse until 5th grade – completing grades 6-12 in Scobey. Graduating from Scobey High School in 1955, she attended Eastern Montana College in Billings, Montana, where she studied Education.
Joan met her husband, Keith Sell when they were classmates at Scobey High School. Keith enlisted in the Navy and the couple began their married life in Texas where he was stationed. They were married March 28, 1958 in the Catholic Chapel, NAS Corpus Christi, Texas. Their first child – daughter, Julie was born while there.
On July 28, 1960, the family moved to Helena, Montana where daughters, Lisa and Diane, and son, Mike were born. Joan was a homemaker until Mike started school. She began her career with the Helena School District in 1973 and held various positions, until retiring in 2000.
Shortly after retirement, Joan and Keith began wintering in Mesa, Arizona. Joan loved to travel and with Keith by her side, they created many lifelong memories. Together, they visited National Parks, Baseball Parks, the Panama Canal, Cape Horn Chile, Argentina, Buenos Aires, the Maritime Provinces, and Victoria B.C. Joan and Keith were in Washington D.C. when the Pentagon was attacked on 9/11/2001. Their return flight cancelled, and accustomed to long road trips, they bought a car in Arlington, VA and made the 2100+ mile trip back to Helena. Joan’s declining health the past few years slowed their traveling. Their last major trip together was a Hawaiian Island Cruise to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary.
Joan enjoyed golf, working crosswords and numbrix, watching vintage scary movies, painting watercolors, gardening, and meeting new people. Joan was a parishioner of the St. Helena Cathedral. Her involvement in American Legion Baseball (along with husband, Keith and son, Mike), gave her the well-earned title of “Baseball Mom” to a number of players.
Joan is survived by her husband of 65 years, Keith Sell; three daughters, Julie Rossberg (Chuck Staggs), Lisa Kuntz, Diane (Dean) Olsen, one son, Mike (Amanda) Sell; six grand-children, Jay (Kyndra) Olsen, Cameron Dana, Brad Olsen, Taylor Westfall, Jackson Sell, Caden Sell; four great grandchildren, Everett, Saylor and Reagan Olsen, Ivy Dana; a brother, Ronald Audet of Scobey, Montana; brothers-in-law, Kevin Sell and Dwain (Gayle) Sell; several nieces and nephews.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Leonie Audet; two brothers, Arthur Audet and Richard Audet; two sisters, Gertrude Brinkman and Violet Hawbaker; grandson, Christopher Dana; sister-in-law, Susan Sell.
When asked recently what made her happiest in life? Joan responded “my four children”. The best Mom anyone could ask for, is deeply missed. Love you Mom.
Special thanks to St. Peter’s Health staff for their care and compassion during this difficult time.
Memorial contributions may be made to Helena Food Share, P.O. Box 943, Helena, MT 59624, or www.helenafoodshare.org.
Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 12:00pm, St. Helena Cathedral, 530 Ewing St., Helena, Montana 59601. Reception will follow the Mass at the Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., Helena, Montana, 59602
Charles Mueller says
TO A DEAR FRIEND, A DEDICATED WIFE, BELOVED MOTHER, WONDERFUL GRANDMOTHER, AND ONE OF BEST CHEERLEADER FOR THE SCOBEY SPARTANS! NO MORE PAIN OR SUFFERING JOAN! HEAVEN IS LUCKY TO HAVE YOU! GOD BLESS!
CHARLIE MUELLER SHS 1962
Vanessa Tolson says
Keith and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Joan’s passing, she was such a sweet lady, always had a smile and kind words.
rita demars says
My heart aches for you, Keith and family, just heard of Joanie’s passing. Such a funny, strong , engaging woman.
May our Heavenly Father welcome her home with open arms. Will sure miss our golfing and Sunday breakfasts.
Sending love and hugs.
Dwain & Gayle Sell says
Brother Keith and Family,
Joan was my Sister in Law. I have known Joan for about 70 years as She and Keith dated growing up in Scobey, Montana. I spent lots of time with them during my college years and also travelled and stayed with them during my working years. She was a Wonderful Wife, Mother, Grandmother & Friend. Nearly 20 years ago they began wintering in Mesa, Arizona and we retired and moved to Tucson so stayed in contact with them. Joan and Keith both enjoyed playing golf and were able to play together in both Helena and the Phoenix areas. She really enjoyed the game and became a good golfer.
Joan will be missed by all who knew Her. Our thought and prayers go out to Keith and their entire Family.
Henry Flatow says
Dear Keith and family, Kim and I send our deepest condolences. I’ll always remember the good times we had, whether it be baseball trips or just having a cup of coffee or a beer. Thinking of you. Hank And Kim Flatow
Steve Armstrong says
I remember Joan from her days at Helena High in the 1980s when my late wife Linnea and I taught there. She was supportive and cordial as a colleague. My sympathies to Joan’s family.
Karl and Kyle Kallin says
Keith
Kyle and I want to express our deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your Kids. .
Karen loved working with Joan and really enjoyed her visits after she retired from the IMC
With further sympathy
Karl. And Kyle(KJ) Kallin
Matt & Mary Kunnary says
Joan was a great person & had such great smile. She will be missed.
Keith God Bless you & your family.
Cherry Baumgardner says
cherrybaum4@gmail.comk
KEITH AND KIDS – WHEN WE WERE ALL YOUNG AND LIVED ‘CATTY-CORNER’ FROM EACH OTHER – JOAN AND I ENJOYED OUR MORNING COFFEE TOGETHER – THEN WE WE ENJOYED BEING ON THE SAME BOWLING TEAM ! I TREASURED OUR FRIENSHHIP – OuR lives can change in a heartbeat =jim passed 3 years ago – i’ve hd a stroke – can’t write very well! , but wanted to let you know how very sorry I am for your troubles… Sending love, Cherry Baumgardner
Greg Allen says
Dang just saw this, prayers for you and your family Keith! Sorry !