Link to JoAnn’s Funeral Mass
JoAnn Anderson Vigil Service
After a brief, unexpected illness and a life full of faith, family, friends and love, JoAnn Lester Anderson, aka “The Boss,” took her sparkle and class with her to heaven. She was surrounded by family and close friends who rushed to Great Falls to be with her.
JoAnn was born on July 10th, 1938 in Beautiful Butte America. JoAnn was the first of five children of Joseph and Margaret Lester. A lifelong devout traditional Catholic, she attended Immaculate Conception grade school. She had the time of her life at Butte Central High School graduating in 1956 and never missed a high school renunion. She then attended St. Mary’s College in Kansas. JoAnn was always very industrious and loved working many jobs including at the movie theater in Butte.
She married Jim Stevens and had two daughters, Kathleen and Maribeth. She enjoyed working as a legal secretary in the Silver Bow County attorney office. She especially enjoyed singing and dancing with the attorneys at their after work parties.
She met a Ford dealer, Ralph Anderson, he said “If you buy a car, I’ll marry you.” She bought the car, and they married in 1971- forever a Ford/Lincoln lady. She was the wind beneath his wings for 43 years. She continued to be a legal secretary at the Smith Law Firm where she met her lifelong friend, Helen Fandrich. She retired in 1999, which was perfect timing to babysit her favorite grandson, Kory. She was his biggest fan, always cheering him on at all of his sports and activities.
JoAnn loved taking care of her beautiful home which was always decorated for every holiday and season. She loved being the hostess with the mostest entertaining family and friends. She was a great cook, famous for her pasties, spaghetti sauce, rolls, potato salad and orange dip. She especially enjoyed Sunday family dinners and Friday nights with “the church ladies”. JoAnn loved her garden as well as playing “nickels” whenever she had a chance. She traveled all over the world with Ralph, always sure to attend Sunday mass no matter where they were. But her favorite travel destinations of all were Beautiful Butte and Las Vegas.
JoAnn loved singing along with all her favorite singers, especially Frank Sinatra during happy hour with her signature ‘Crown Royal Dirty Ditch with Lime,’ either in person or virtually.
JoAnn was a devout Catholic attending daily mass at the Helena Cathedral in person for years and then online there or at St Patrick’s Cathedral in New York. She was adamant about attending 4:30 mass- mostly at St Marys- where she loved the greeters and her seat mates. She loved having her grandchildren or nephew crown the Blessed Mother in May and her Sacred Heart altar in her living room. She said the rosary every night and if she fell asleep, the angels would finish it for her.
She is survived by her daughters Kathleen (Keith-her favorite son in law) Broussard, and Maribeth Stevens all of Helena; and step son, Dugan Anderson (Terry) of Kalispell. Grandson Kory Broussard of Helena and granddaughter, Lane Anderson of Kalispell. Siblings-Sister Margaret Lynn Lester, BVM of Dubuque IA; Jim (Wilene) Lester of Butte, Kim (David) Scott of Fresno, CA. Nieces and nephews: Christopher (Mandy), Cara Lester; Joey(Krystan), Jenny Lester; Mark (Stephanie) and Bryan (Megan) Scott. Great nieces and nephews: Henry, Ruby, Alexander, Sophia, Bradie (Tyler), Kadyn, Brayden, Jayden, Keeleigh, Layklyn, Gavin, Connor, and Charlotte. Close cousins, Lori (Gary) Paull, Shelly Malkovich, Peggy (Emmett) Reardon, and Patty Ann Lester. And second cousins too numerous to name but dearly loved and enjoyed. Her faithful friends- Helen Fandrich, Dee Durand, Lynn Staley, Billi Jo Meglen, Bobbi Murphy, Shirley Reinig, Pauline Hames, and Mary Lou Bruno. Great grand-dogs- Lucky and Saint.
JoAnn is joining her husband, Ralph Anderson, his son Doug, her parents Joe and Margaret Lester, her brother, Thomas Lester and grandparents, aunts and uncles in heaven. Her beloved dogs: Puff and Mazie Mae, and cat, Cinnamon, met her at the Rainbow Bridge to escort her to St Peter’s gate.
JoAnn’s family would like to thank Dr. Dill and St Peters Hospital, as well as Dr Strong, Dr Paul, Leisa Phillips,RN, Breanna Cruz, CNA and all the nurses on the fourth floor of Benefis Health for their exceptional care and concern.
JoAnn’s words of wisdom: “Never lose your sense of humor.”
Viewing will begin at 5:00 p.m. with a Vigil service scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 24th, 2025 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena. Viewing hours will also begin at 11:00 a.m. with a funeral Mass to be celebrated at 12:10 p.m. Thursday, September 25th at St. Mary’s Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave. in Helena. Cremation will follow the Mass. Her burial of cremated remains will be at the Montana State Veteran Cemetery at Ft. Harrison, MT.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003, or the charity of your choice.
JoAnn loved pink and sparkles, if you would like to wear pink &/or sparkles that would make her smile.
Service Schedule
Viewing
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday September 24, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday September 24, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Viewing
11:00 a.m.
Thursday September 25, 2025
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Thursday September 25, 2025
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Immediately following the Mass
Thursday September 25, 2025
Social Center of the Church
,
Service Schedule
Viewing
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday September 24, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday September 24, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Viewing
11:00 a.m.
Thursday September 25, 2025
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Thursday September 25, 2025
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Immediately following the Mass
Thursday September 25, 2025
Social Center of the Church
,
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Vanessa Tolson says
So sorry for your loss, JoAnn was a very special lady, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mark Bruno says
To JoAnn’s Daughters and the rest of the family
I’m glad I got to reconnect a bit with Jo Ann when my mother came back to Helena.
She was always a classy lady that was easy to talk to and interested in my life.
I remember — from way back in the day — some legendary ( triple A) house parties that her and Ralph use to throw. The house was always maxed out, the food was great ( especially the Butte Pasties) and the drinks were stiff.
I know she a woman of strong faith!
Karen Bryson says
I am so sorry to see Joan’s passing. She was such a beautiful,fun lady with a great sense of humor. So many fond memories of years ago with my parents (Darryl & Bernie Lee), my dear Aunt Jeanne Gillie.
Know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Karen Bryson
Jill Caldwell says
My prayers are with you all as you grieve this beautiful life. Joann was a saintly woman who always smiled and lifted everyone around her; I admired her very much. For years she sat behind me at morning mass, and we often shared a table at WestMont events. You can rest assured that she is reaping her reward in Heaven.
Darien G Scott says
Was so sorry to hear of JoAnn’s passing. She and I grew up together in Butte, living on West Quartz. Summer times were filled with lots of fun. We were always organizing a neighbor parade or play. Since I went to Butte High, we did not see much of each other during the school year. It was always a treat to reconnect.
Margaret L Woo says
Kathleen, Keith & Kory
I am so sad to learn of your mother’s passing. She was such a classy lady and so beloved by many. Sincere condolences,
Margaret Woo
Elaine Bertrand says
Kathleen and Keith and family. May God welcome your mom with his loving arms. So sorry for your loss.
Stacy Leipheimer says
Jim, Wilene and families,
It’s so hard to say good-bye to those we love so dearly, blank goodness for all the wonderful memories we get to keep with us forever.
Joann and Ralph are once again laughing and telling car tales with our mom and dad. They greatly cherished the friendships they shared.
Sending love and hugs to all!
Fondly,
The Leipheimers
Nora Bruce says
Kathleen, Keith & Kory
Maribeth
Our sincere condolences for the loss of your Mother. She was a very classy and funny lady. We always enjoyed any time we were around her and Ralph.
May she rest in peace ~ God Bless
Nora & Bradley Bruce
Tom Erving says
Kathleen and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mom. I always enjoyed seeing her out and our visits. I know how close you two were. I was fortunate to be a friend of your mom for many many years. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Nancy Thomas Foote says
Condolences to Jo Ann’s family. I had the pleasure3 of meeting her when I married her cousin Rick ,although my Mother spoke of her often with high praise. She and Rick enjoyed friendly sparing, evetime the got together He loved her dearly. May her light shine for all of you for the rest of you days. Peace be unto you. Nancy Thomas Foote