Joanne Wood, 90

Joanne Wood passed away surrounded by family at 90 years old in her Bigfork home on Oct. 17, 2020. Joanne was born Feb 23,1930, in Conrad, Montana, to George and Mildred Foltz. She grew up on the family wheat farm with her sister and brother, attended Conrad school, and graduated in 1948.

Joanne married Jim Wood Oct 18, 1948. They were born just over a week apart at the same nursery, grew up in Conrad, and were married for 71 years. Jim and Joanne had 10 children so she spent much of her time gardening, cooking and canning; however, she always made time for fun. She loved to swim in the river where they had their house and raised their children. She was always up for picnics, huckleberry picking or sitting in a kiddy pool with a lily pad on her head as a hat. She also made time to rock and sing her grandchildren or help with homework.

Joanne spent hours baking and fundraising to help build St. Catherine’s Church in Bigfork where she was a member of the Council of Women. She also loved playing Bunco with her friends. Joanne decided to take a cake decorating class at Flathead Valley Community College and made many cakes for weddings and special occasions for her family over the years. She was a member of the Ferndale Sewing Circle and of St. John Paul II Catholic Church.

Joanne is survived by her 10 children, Connie (Jim) Kirby, Cherie (Joe) Tull, Mike (Ev) Wood, Pam (Dave) Bermel, Bob Wood, Tim Wood, Colleen Hall, Dick (Tammy) Wood, Pat (Lori) Wood and Tony (Jennifer) Wood; 38 grandchildren and 54 great- grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John Paul II for immediate family members.

The family would like to especially thank the thoughtful and remarkable team providing hospice services — especially Aimee and Misty.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to support the Hope for Harlee Foundation at www.hopeforharlee.org/mission to honor Jim and Joanne’s great-granddaughter.