Grandma Jo, as she was affectionately called by family and friends alike, passed away at the Village Health Care Center in Missoula. She died of natural causes after suffering from Alzheimer’s for a number of years. All who knew her feel that our lives are richer for having loved and known her.
Jo was born to Court and Emma Sheriff in Helena on July 5, 1920, and raised at Canyon Ferry. She often told of her family roots at Canyon Ferry, which go back to when her grandfather settled there in 1865. As a young girl, her desire was to be outside helping on the family ranch or caring for and riding her horses, a passion she never lost, even after she sold the ranch and moved to Helena. Even then, her bright red pickup reminded her of who she was. Jo always felt most comfortable in her jeans, and those attending the service are welcome to dress in jeans as a tribute.
Jo’s early schooling was at Canyon Ferry, where one year she and her brother Van were the only students. She was also part of the Helena High class that attended school in railroad cars after an earthquake destroyed the school. She attended Montana State College (University) and was a member of Chi Omega Sorority.
Jo married Ray Johnson in Nov. 1946. They had two daughters, Judi and Rene (Lorain). While raising their young family, they lived at Canyon Ferry and provided post office, restaurant, and bar services for the people building the present Canyon Ferry Dam. They also helped her brother build the Yacht Basin Marina for the new Canyon Ferry Lake.
After the dam was finished, the family moved to Butte and then Helena. She worked at the Butte Stock Yard and later in Helena at the Lewis and Clark Co. Clerk and Recorder office. The family moved back to Canyon Ferry to run the ranch after Jo’s parents died, which brought her back to the lifestyle she loved best. Her independent and strong spirit carried her through the hard working years ahead. After Ray passed away she married Kenneth Cope in August 1966.
Jo continued to live at Canyon Ferry until 2001, when she moved back to Helena. Here she pursued her other interests of travel, reading and golf. But especially she kept track of her wonderful grandchildren, attending all graduations and weddings. All who knew her knew she was a MSU Bobcat thru and thru. She loved the state of Montana and often read of the pioneers who settled the state. She belonged to the ladies lunch groups from York and Canyon Ferry, the Montana Pioneers club, and the Catholic Church.
In 2009 she moved to Missoula to be near her daughter. By her life she showed us that we are braver then we believe, stronger then we seem, and smarter than we think. She will be greatly missed, and not a 4th of July will go by that we won’t think of all her birthday cakes decorated like an American flag!
She is preceded in death by daughter Lorain O’Connell, husband Ray Johnson, husband Ken Cope, sister Mary Spain, and parents Court and Emma Sheriff.
Survivors include her daughter Judi Calahan (David) of Missoula; brother Van Sheriff (Peg) of Canyon Ferry; son-in-law Tom O’Connell (Barb) of Helena; six grandchildren, Brett Calahan (Melanie) of Missoula, Jill Calahan Benoit (Bob) of Kirkland, WA, Erin O’Connell Turner (Robert) of Polson, Janna O’Connell Tangedahl (Eric) of Missoula, Stacey Calahan Miller (Todd) of Redmond, WA, and Amy O’Connell Elliott (Lindan) of Kalispell. Five great-grandchildren, Colt and Joslyn Calahan, Reed and Joseph Benoit, Conner Turner, Mason Miller and Ella Elliott; step-daughter Marlene Cope Waterland of Ekalaka and Kory Johnson and Cason Johnson of Bozeman.
There will be a vigil at Retz Funeral Home at 7:00 Thursday night. Services will be 1:00 pm, Friday at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, on Canyon Ferry Lake, with Father O’Donnell officiating. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. The family suggests memorials to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, P.O. box 1110, East Helena, MT. 59635, or to the American Cancer Society, Northwest Division, 550 N. 31st St. #103, Billings, MT 59101. To offer a condolence or share a memory of Jo, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com.
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Dacia Rasmuson says
I am so sorry to hear of Jo’s passing. We were her neighbors out at Canyon Ferry (1995 – 2004). I will always remember her kindness towards my daughter and myself and her wonderful spirited stories about the Canyon Ferry area. She left quite a legacy and will be greatly missed. My condolences to all the family.
Carol E. Bonner says
To each of Jo’s family members,
Having lived “down the road” from Jo from 1969 ~ 2001, I want you to know that Grandma Jo, was one of my most admired women! Years back my husband & I discussed buying land on Magpie Gulch from Jo. She gave Tom wonderful advice. She was always there to let me know, after Tom died, that land was available. Your Mom/Grandma, aunt, Sister was a definite inspiration to me re: conintuing on as a widowed Mom. She was always a treat to speak w/when out on her walks, to meet at Rock Hand Hardware, or visit in one of her homes or apartments. I will always remember her sage words & her love of her family!!! Her acceptance of life to be lived in the great outdoors was phenomenal! She was one lovely lady of the lake.
Sincerely,
Carol E. Bonner
Carolyn Walker says
Dearest Judi and Family ~ Just want you to know how sorry I am for your loss. Grandma Jo was a woman with a strong spirit and a lot of heart. She leaves behind a great legacy and many memories which will carry you through this time of loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
With Deepest Sympathy, Carolyn
Carol Foote says
I was extremely sorry to hear the news of Jo’s passing. I imagine her in heaven, her mind once again clear, conversing and laughing with loved ones who have gone before her. My thoughts, prayers and love go out to her family.
Elaine Kunnary Harris says
Dear Judi & family
Although I had not seen your Mom in years, I did have lunch with her a little over 3 years ago when she was at Hunter’s Pointe, where my Mom, Becky also resided at the time. It was so good to see her, although I believe the effects of her disease were already beginning to manifest themselves because I am not sure she totally remembered me. When you and your sister were very young, I was your babysitter when we lived at Canyon Ferry. Your Mom and Dad even took me with them on a trip to Virgina City so I could baby sit you there. I absolutely loved your folks and when I grew up, I wanted to be exactly like your beautiful Mom. When we left Canyon Ferry, our family moved to Minnesota, and I didn’t return until I was out of High School. I wish that I had visited her when I got back, but within a year I was married and moved to Idaho Falls, where I still live. It sounds like you have a beautiful family and wonderful memories of your Mom. May the Lord be with all of you and continue to sustain you with cherished memories.
Sincerely
Elaine Kunnary Harris
Helen Richter says
To the Family of Josephine Cope:
I was sorry to learn that Josephine passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Richard (Helen) Richter
Helena Montana
Penny O'Neal Takala says
To Judy and family, I’m sorry to hear of your mom’s passing..I have fond memories of playing with you and your sister at Canyon Ferry when we were kids. DOn’t know if you’ll remember me, but anyway, I’ve always wondered what happened to you and your mom and sister. Take care and God Bless
Penny