Joanne Ogle LaPalm, 87
Joanne was born in Butte on Dec. 1, 1931, “and it was only when she returned to the arms of her Lord and beloved husband, Ken LaPalm, on April 25, 2018, did she find a better place than Butte.”
Graduating from Butte High School and raising three children on the flats below the “Richest Hill on Earth,” Mom focused on family and nourishing their souls and bodies with love, mountains of home baked food, and the grounding connection of the wild places explored and enjoyed every weekend throughout the fast fleeing years. Miners Lake in the Big Hole reverberated with her whistled tunes and the hum of her Shakespeare reel as she kept the honor of pulling in the most fish, supplying the dinner table with crisp and delicious delicacies cooked on top of the campfire skillet.
Her son Ken tells it best: “The recent loss of our Mother has resulted in a sudden loss of body weight for my sister and I. Not as a result of the tremendous grief, but from her abrupt ending of our food consumption. Mom’s delight was feeding everyone her home cooked goodies and that said, feeding was perpetual and constant until fleeing from the home as quickly as your overstuffed hide would allow would be your only hope.”
Mom enjoyed her employment at Metals Bank, but focused on recalling stories of the uptown personalities and the fun she had with friends. The traditions and values realized and shared with awe in life’s simple and abundant joys will forever continue in her family. The days, hours and years are filled with incredible memories forged and molded by Mom. We will never cease to relive them, or recall their lessons.
Mom left many members of this family behind, Addrien Marx, her oldest daughter and her husband Jim McLean; and the youngest favorite Ken LaPalm with his wife Lisa Marrow. Words are too weak and hearts too tender to begin to describe the essence of our mother. Rita Stetzner, sister-in-law, much more aptly called sister, with the bond of family and support shared. Then her Kenneth James Herrly, “KJ,” Laurie’s son, a true highlight in Mom’s life and unwavering focus. The last five years the tables were turned and KJ was a true support for her in her battle of loneliness for her missing soul mate. Grandchildren, each were precious as a singular, highly valued gift to Mom. We felt that our family had to have about 400 immediate family members — but really it was a few less: Addrien’s children, Tom Leonard, and his loving wife, Clair, both a wonderful rainbow and constant warming sunshine for Mom. Laurie Joe Thornton and her husband Ash, the first granddaughter and Mom so loved to hear about Laurie’s adventures achievements with their calls that filled the distance between. Erin Johnshoy, a mainstay in loving visits and happy moments in Mom’s thirst for family. Erin provided that special connection of knowing that presence sometimes is all we require — it was given. Grandson Trenton Marx always made Mom laugh with his boyish pranks and in later his years of raising his own son, she watched them both with admiration and joy. Kyle Marx and wife Shana, adding to the feeling of family. Mom needed family and we supplied. Ken’s children, Ashleigh was a late comer — but Mom as was typical, opened her warmth and heart in welcome. Ken’s four boys, Cody, Clint, Cole and Clay Anderson. Their growing-up years were a source hilarious amusement with the stories of lively antics and explorations! Great-grandkids were a special gift and treasure to Mom. Their visits lightened up her days, filled her life with laughter and the most tender and pure moments of love. She was gifted with company, stories, treats and tokens of care — constantly. Tom and Clair’s —Tommy, Brighid, Larry. Erin’s — Madison and Monika. Trenton’s — Benjamin. Kyle and Shauna’s — Finnian and Sarah. Ashleigh and Jed’s Leighla and Whisper.
Mom was preceded in death by Laura Herrly, her middle child now reunited after waiting for Mom for just over 10 years and Laurie’s Emerson that is being held by her now in heaven’s peace.
Mom requested no service be held, but families and friends have gathered in various locations and phone calls shared. Mom is filled with reunions long desired and can guide those left behind with her love and lessons given.
“Rest in peace and joy, Mom. Say howdy to our sister Laurie for us and we will say howdy to her son KJ. Your recipes will be served, your stories repeated, and your love is already eternal.”