On Monday, March 17th in the early morning, just before dawn, the heavens opened and welcomed the matriarch of our family into our Savior’s arms.
JoAnn Christine Kaufman was born to Barney & Velma Jo Spurlock on July 2, 1936 in Helena, Montana, where she would reside all of her days. JoAnn was the oldest of eight children which came with tremendous responsibilities.
In 1951 JoAnn would marry the love of her life, Robert “Bob” L. Kaufman. Together they would raise six children, five of their own being Bob (Carla) Kaufman, Gail (Jim) Miller, Russ (Kelli) Kaufman, Jerry (Trena) Kaufman and Corine Kaufman as well as JoAnn’s younger sister Bonnie (KC) Holman. JoAnn, prior to her retirement at the age of 73 was an accomplished floral designer. A career that would span over 20 plus years working at the Green Thumb/For-Get-Me-Not Flowers. JoAnn took great pride in her work which was evidenced by each and every one of her designs.
Above all else, JoAnn’s greatest sense of accomplishment and source of joy was her family. She was an incredibly devoted wife, mother, grandmother & great-grandmother. She was always there for each and every one of us with open arms, a listening ear and a loving heart. We simply do not know what we will do without her.
Other survivors include her very precious eight grandchildren; Buffy Miller, Heidi Kaufman, Kyle (Corey) Kaufman, Amber (Andy) Zietz, Shawn (Allison) Kaufman, Shane (Sarah) Kaufman, Nick (Cassie) Kaufman, & Beau (Danielle) Jackson.
She also survived by eight great-grandchildren; Bodie & Brystal Kaufman, McKenna & Chase Zietz, AJ Kaufman, Ryan &Ethan Kaufman, & Ryder Jackson.
JoAnn is also survived by her dear brother and sisters; Jerry Spurlock, Connie Mayer, Dodie Spurlock as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, sister Shirley Ford, and brothers Jim and Bill Spurlock.
We will miss you every day and keep you in our hearts forever. Never to be forgotten is the incredible imprint you have left on our lives.
Until we meet again…..
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2014 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Memorials in JoAnn’s name are suggested to the Farm in the Dell Foundation, 1208 poplar St. Helena, MT 59601. A reception will follow the service in the social hall at the funeral home.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday March 22, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service
Saturday March 22, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday March 22, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service
Saturday March 22, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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John & Jeanie Horne says
It is with my deepest sorrow that I write this note to all of you. I have always considered myself one of your family and will always cherish the memories of the time I spent growing up with your mom and dad and all of you. If there is anything I can do PLEASE ASK!! I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. May god keep you and guide you through this troubling time. John
Matt & Shelly Horne says
We were so saddened by the news of your mother and wife’s passing . We offer our deepest sympathy and prayers in this time of great sorrow. Joann was not only a great woman but part of our family I will always hold the memories of family times we spent together near to my heart and know that God will help you through this sad time if there is anything we can do please know we are just a phone call away Matt
Peggy Shepherd says
I am so sorry to hear of Joann’s passing. She was a beautiful person in so many ways.
When I was growing up I spent a lot of time at her house having a wonderful time.
My thoughts are will all of you during this difficult time.
Valerie Flansaas & Earl Fred says
Bonnie and family I am so sorry for your loss. Joann was a beautiful caring lady. Always a smile on her face. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
bev guerin says
I met JoAnn when we both started working at Head Start many years ago. She was my kids favorite bus driver. our paths crossed many times theough the years. My best friend Linda Bushnell knew many of her siblings, through her so did I . Her smile was like the sun on a dreary day. washing the gloom away She will be missed by everyone who knew and loved her.
Sherri Staats says
Heidi,
Please accept my prayers and sympathy at the loss of your wonderful grandmother. I know she meant the world to you. May the loving memories of her give you comfort in the days to come. God Bless you and your family at this times of sorrow.
flossie shaw says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Barb Hamlin says
Corine and family,
I had the pleasure of JoAnn crossing my path several different times and areas of my life. I remember her from Headstart, Forget-Me-Not-Flowers and just running into wherever it may be. She always had the most amazing smile, it just made you feel good. Your family must have so many precious, wonderful memories of her, seek comfort in these during these difficult days to come. JoAnn was a beautiful person, inside and out, she will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Darlene Miller Scott says
JoAnn was such a nice person. She always had a smile. I always enjoyed talking to her at the craft shows. Her arrangements were so beautiful. I know what a close knit family you all are. May your many wonderful memories help to ease your sorrows and get you through this most difficult time. You are in our prayers.
Norm and Darlene Scott
Mike & Diana (Cotton) Hall says
Bob, Bonnie, Jerry and all the family,
Our hearts go out to you at this time. JoAnn was a lovely person and I know you will miss her dearly. May the Lord put His loving arms around you and bring comfort! You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Gail (Williams) Hatch says
It was a privelege to have known JoAnn and Kaufman family all of these years. God Bless you all and bring you comfort at this hard time.. May the memories of Jo Ann linger in your hearts and minds, her sunny smile will never be forgotten.
Gino Dunfee (formerly Little) says
Jerry and family: My condolences on the loss of your mom. May your memories hold her forever in your heart.
Sincerely,
Gino
Deziah Gilliam says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Just remember she is now an angel flying over you all.
Crystal Wong Shors says
JoAnn, surrounded by flowers and glowing. That is how I will remember her. She was my mother’s friend, and always asked how my mom was doing when I wandered in to the flower shop to see if there was anything that could survive my care. JoAnn was always put together– earrings, perfect hair, and, of course, her famous smile. She was one of those rare people, like the flower arrangements she created, who made a person feel more positive just for having been in the same space. I wish her family comfort.
Diane Pedersen says
Gail and Jim and family,
I was so sorry to learn that your Mom passed away. I understand the heartbreak of loosing a family member. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
God Bless,
Diane Pedersen
Joanne Homier says
JoAnn was so welcome when I would go into the flower shop or meeting her out and about.
She had a beautiful smile and always looked as if she just walked out of a styling salon. There is one less flower on earth but one more twinkling star. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Glenda Ridgway Neff says
Jerry, my grade school buddy and Carla my friend, my thoughts go out to you and your family. Blessings. Glenda
Vanessa Tolson says
My thoughts & prayers are with you all. Joann was like a ray of sunshine always a smile in her face.
ML and Andy says
To all of Joann’s family, but mostly to Bob…
Bob Kaufman—no doubt both you and Joann will miss each other… In any time I talked with her, she mentioned: “you, Bob, are the ‘guy that gets ‘er done & you do right!”
That always made me think of Andy…E.g. When we visited, Joann & I bonded a bit and we agreed we were lucky in our spouses… Smile… Though it’s little solace now to you, Bob, (and rest of family,) I think it’s wonderful you had time together you did!!! How many minutes, hours, days and weeks and YEARS you got to share! What a bummer that “mortality” beast shows up!! (Grrrr….)
That said: Andy and I are sorry for your loss… it’s huge, and inconsolable. But children, grand, & greats will help! I’m sure of it. Andy & I hope the “navigation” of this period where she’s “there” and you’re “here” does, eventually, smooth-out… Let us know what we can do to help!
I knew Joann first as Connie’s sister but then as a local neighbor.
What a commodious and generous lady = Joann! One could not stop by that beautiful home she & Bob made without Joann insisting you sit for a coffee or tea or a sweet! She was irrepressible in her insistence that you take a “visit” with them, (and they were always fun & interesting visits!)
As a local neighbor Joann was incredibly helpful when Andy & I got STUCK taking over Big Valley Property Owners Association… She was ready/willing to provide a meet space… I messed-up time lines for a meeting, BUT THEN Joann was gracious to offer her garage space alternate time! She and Bob did EVERYTHING to organize that! This was circa 1990?
YES on Jo’s wonderful floral designs… I’ll now treasure, even more, a beautiful Christmas-Theme piece I got from a show Joann did. We’ve placed it on the hutch every year since and each time I see it I think of the tune, “A Happy Sleigh ride… Dashing through the snow…!”
Also Joann did a really pretty fall themed floral piece for us when Andy’s father passed. We love that too. Joann’s talent in floral-design = awesome. Her community spirit = unparalleled and her love of her family… endless! We will so miss her!
Kindest regards to all of Joann’s family in your hours of stress. ML harper and Andy Kukolax
Joan Meyer says
When I would stop to see my mom, Joann was so upbeat and friendly even when she was experiencing difficult days. Our visits during mealtime were always delightful. Clearly, she was quite a lady. I am so sorry for your loss.
Evy Burris Sass says
Dear Family & Loved ones of JoAnn, Although no words can help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer, May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared with JoAnn comfort you now and in the days ahead, Judy Smith also sends her heart felt condolence and sympathy to all of JoAnn’s family & loved ones.