On September 22, 2016, the day of her sixty-sixth wedding anniversary, Josephine (Jo) May Wirth ended her battle with pancreatic cancer and passed away peacefully at her home.
Born October 23, 1927 in Conrad, Montana, Mrs. Wirth was the fifth of eight children born to Theodore and Ruth Parker Vandepas. After her father was killed in a 1930 mine accident, Mrs. Wirth’s mother married Al Gessford after which five more children were born into the family. Mrs. Wirth’s formal schooling took place in Conrad until she left to work as a welder in the Portland, Oregon shipyards during World War II.
After returning to Montana, she married Robert N. Wirth on September 22, 1950 and moved to his family’s ranch near Wolf Creek where she resided until her death. Mrs. Wirth began working at Union Bank and Trust Company (now Wells Fargo) in 1961. Retiring after twenty-six years at the bank, she spent the remainder of her life enjoying her home, family and many friends. She and Bob also enjoyed travelling and were fortunate to visit many parts of the United States and the rest of the world.
Jo Wirth will be remembered as a woman of great character who was fond of reading and travelling, but even more so for her kindness and generosity to family, friends and those in need. She will forever be in the hearts and minds of those who survive her, especially her husband. Other close surviving family members include daughter Bobbi Wirth Levine (Dan), son Phil Wirth (Judy); grandsons Mike Wirth (Michelle), Cody Wirth, and Sam Levine(Whitney); and great-grandchildren Nicolas Michael and Laci Jo Wirth. She is also survived by her two remaining siblings, Rae Gessford (Fritz) Smith and Darlene Gessford Ross who reside in Helena.
A memorial service celebrating Jo’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 28th at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1000 Helena Avenue. A reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall located in the lower level of the church. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jo.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday September 28, 2016
St. John's Lutheran Church
1000 Helena Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Wednesday September 28, 2016
St. John's Lutheran Church
1000 Helena Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
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Carol Parrett says
Our deepest sympathy to all the family, especially our darling Mike and Michelle. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Bob. Jo was a wonderful person and we were lucky to have known her. Take care.
With Love,
Carol (Bobbie) and Frank
Pat Ryan says
Dear Bob and Family,
I was saddened to hear of your loss of Jo. She was such a wonderful woman and I think fondly of both you.
My love and sympathy,
Pat (Meunier) Ryan
Barb Johnson O'Connell says
Jo was ‘ PURE KINDNESS’.
Dan Rambo says
Though living way back East in Ontario, Canada news will travel. My sister, Patty, sent me Mrs. Wirth’s obituary just this afternoon. I remember her as my ‘personal’ banker.. Someone who always told me the best way to handle my accounts when I was going to be short or how to get a loan to get through College at Carroll. Kind of had my back you might say. She was someone who I could count on and who I trusted. I also remember the ranch where I spend a couple days working with Phil. I probably wasn’t as much a rancher as Phil was so I probably slowed him down as I’m sure Mr. Wirth will attest. 🙂 But right was right on the Ranch and a lesson was learned. And Bobbi, every time I hear about Texas A&M it isn’t the football I remember. Every time I go through the canyon I think of your entire family and how important you are to the community. And everyone I know feels the same! My condolences to you Bobbi, Phil and Mr. Wirth.
Greg Hanchett says
Bob and Phil:
Your family is in our prayers. So sorry to hear of Jo’s passing.
Greg and Jane Hanchett