The Lord has finished perfecting one of His chosen. Joanie Marie Eckley Wilson Pickett Kralic Rada crossed over on Thursday, April 3rd, surrounded by family and loved ones after a sudden and unexpected illness.
Joanie was born to Lula Christine and Walter “Bugs” Eckley on August 20th 1944, while her father was in the Pacific fighting in WW2 with the U.S. Navy. She and her family remained in Jefferson County throughout her childhood, where she graduated 8th grade from The Clancy School and from Jefferson High School, where she was president of the 1962 graduating class.
Joanie married Mike Wilson and had a daughter Valerie Wilson. Joanie later married Robert Pickett and had a son William Pickett and welcomed Leonard, Lorrie, Bob, and Lynette Pickett as her children. Joanie married Ralph Kralic and counted Jim Kralic as another one of her sons. Finally, Joanie found her lifelong soul mate in Lester (Corky) Rada and married for the last time on November 10, 1989. Two additional sons, Blaine and Wayne Rada were brought into her lifelong family. She sometimes joked, “The men may come and go, but the kids are forever”.
Joanie worked for Eddie’s Bakery, owned Bob’s Capital Standard, and finally joined the IRS, where she eventually retired. Joanie continued as a bookkeeper for over a decade for several Helena businesses.
Joanie set down the “barley corn” one last time in 1993 and made it her life mission to help others break the chains of addiction. She worked tirelessly in this endeavor, all the way up to two days before her passing. As her body allowed, she drove herself every Monday to facilitate a Celebrate Recovery group at the Elkhorn Treatment Center in Boulder from Saint Patrick’s Day 2008 up to and including Monday, March 31st of this week.
Joanie is preceded in death by her parents, sister Diane “Diney” Eckley, and stepdaughter Lynette (Pickett) Chadwick.
Joanie is survived by her children Leonard Pickett, Lorrie Gazloff, Bob Pickett, Val Wilson, Will Pickett, Jim Kralic, Blaine Rada, and Wayne Rada. And enough grandchildren and
great-grandchildren to fill a school bus.
Services will be held Monday, April 7th, at the Kleffner Ranch at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Sons and Daughters of Montana Pioneers or Hope Center Ministries.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday April 7, 2025
Klefner Ranch
305 Highway 518
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Monday April 7, 2025
Jefferson City Cemetery
Jefferson City, Montana 59634
Reception
Following the Burial
Monday April 7, 2025
Kleffner Ranch
305 Highway 518
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday April 7, 2025
Klefner Ranch
305 Highway 518
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Monday April 7, 2025
Jefferson City Cemetery
Jefferson City, Montana 59634
Reception
Following the Burial
Monday April 7, 2025
Kleffner Ranch
305 Highway 518
East Helena, Montana 59635
Share
Donna Owens says
Val
My heart is breaking 💔
Donna Owens
Mark J Murray says
Sorry to hear of your passing, but I know you are in a much better place. It was great working with you all those many years at the IRS. Peace be with you.
Regina Nunley says
Joanie was a very special kind loving person with sooo much knowledge about Montana and it’s way of life she was alot of fun to be around she is loved and will be missed by all that knew her love you and see you in heaven
Bette (Tintinger) Hoven says
I am devastated to hear of Joan’s passing; she was a special friend growing up in Jefferson City/Corbin. We oftentimes talked of those days; funny thing, we ended up living in the same neighborhood in our late life. She was special— silent but effective. Peace be with you, Joanie. 💔❤️🩹
Margaret WOo says
Sweet Joan. I remember working with her when she was a paraprofessional accountant at our office. She was a hard worker, and I enjoyed being around her. RIP, and condolences to her family
Joyce CLAUSEN says
WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR PASSING JOANNIE. THERE IS A LOT OF MEMORIES OF ALL OF US, SPARING AND CLAUSEN GET TOGETHERS.
BILL AND JOYCE CLAUSEN
Tylene Cato says
I’m so sorry for your families loss.Tylene Cato
Anna Yetter says
Joanie was a good friend to talk to when needing advice. She.could always be counted on to be there for those who needed her most. I have many great memories of time spent with her. Thank you Joanie.
Sally Nyland says
Val,
Please accept my condolences and know that you are in my thoughts at this difficult time. Joanie, Rest in Peace. God only knows you deserve it.
Jessica Mongelli says
I am so sorry for your loss as a family. Joanie was the absolute best person. I worked with her for many years and my favorite days were the ones in which I got to see her. She always had a special way of making me feel important and heard. Her kind eyes and sweet hugs were everything. She always spoke so fondly of her family and how she loved each one of them. I will miss her but when I think of my sweet friend I will always smile. She left her mark on this world and I am forever grateful to have known her.
Jason Richards says
What a treasure Joanie was! I can still see her infectious smile and laugh that would light up a room! Praying for Corky, Val and the entire family.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Joanie and Corky were Church friends for many years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family 🙏🙏🙏
Gary and Dona Dobler says
Dona Dobler
You fought the good fight and WON!!! Prayers for the family 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Kelly Elder says
Joanie – You were a guiding light for many, including both David E. and me. As you know, Dave takes solace in knowing you are now in a better place and that those of us still on Earth give our thanks for your influence in our lives. You will be missed, Joanie – know we are thinking of your entire family, especially Corky, during this difficult time.
Taylor berg says
The west side of Helena has lost another shining star rest well Joan thank you 🙏
Linda Predmore says
Val,Will and family, As I sat at your service at Kleffner Barn I felt so proud to have been part of such a beautiful persons life. The tribute to Joannie ‘s life was like non other that I have seen. When I looked around at all the hundreds of people that were there All could think was WOW! She touched everyone of these people’s lives and many more. She earned her place in Heaven and Will miss her dearly.
Terry Lamping says
Joanie I just saw you about 3 weeks ago after not seeing you even one time since you retired from the IRS. After I left the restaurant I then realized who you were. Rest in peace Joanie. Prayers for her family.