Dorothy June 'Jo' (Fox) Heim, 81

Dorothy June "Jo" (Fox) Heim passed away unexpectedly from a stroke the day after her 81st birthday on March 23, 2005, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, in Kalispell.

Jo was born on March 22, 1924, to Wilbur and Agnes (Kaser) Fox at Donlon, Mont., near St. Regis, in a logging camp. Her father Wilbur and a Native American mid-wife delivered her.

Jo grew up in the Swan River community near Bigfork. During her early teens, she found summer employment picking strawberries. In her late teens, she worked as a clerk at the Echo Lake Store. Jo graduated from Bigfork High School in 1942.

After two and half years of courtship, she was united in marriage on June 15, 1944, to the luckiest guy in the world, Fred Heim. Fred and Jo spent a week honeymooning at a cabin on Lake McDonald. On June 15, of 2004, Fred and Jo celebrated 60 years of continuous marital bliss. She devoted her life to her husband, son, grandchildren and great-grandchild.

During her many years in the Creston community, Jo was active in the Creston Volunteer Ladies Auxiliary. She was a gifted seamstress and wonderful cook and always made everyone feel welcome in her home. Jo could make a gourmet dinner out of a venison cutlet and fresh vegetables from her garden. She especially enjoyed the many hours spent in her flowerbeds and gardens.

Jo was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her husband, Fred, at the family home; her son and daughter in-law, Randy and Kathie Heim, of Spokane; grandson, Rory, his wife, Jennifer, and great-granddaughter, Kelli, of Vancouver, Wash.; grandson, Ryan, and fiancee, Shelly Eder, both of Newport, Ore.; her brother, Bill Fox, and wife, Esther, of Bigfork; her sister, Alicia, and husband, Lloyd Fagerland, of Kalispell; and numerous nieces and nephews. A multitude of loving and cherished friends also survive her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Ted Fox.

A celebration of her life was held Monday, March 28, at the Johnson Mortuary, followed by services at the Epworth United Methodist Church. Burial was at Glacier Memorial Gardens.

The family suggests memorials to Epworth United Methodist Church, 329 Second Ave. East, Kalispell, MT 59901; or the charity of your choice.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Jo's family.

This paid obituary is being run again at the request of the family.