Judith Lillie Heleva, 74

Judith Heleva, 74, of Corvallis, Montana, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on Jan. 11, 2023.

Judith was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to Lillie and Stanley Heleva and raised with siblings Carol, Lydia, and Stach. She lived in Pennsylvania until 1992, when she traveled across the country with her three girls and former husband, Jim Ponaski, to relocate to Kalispell.

Judith graduated from Lycoming College and went to work as an elementary school teacher for 19 years before homeschooling her daughters. She continued being involved in education as a teacher, homeschool coordinator, admissions director and student when completing her master's in family therapy later in life.

Judith was a kind, generous soul and known for her joyful heart. Her loved ones knew her as "Judy Joy" and "Mama Joy." She enjoyed walks by the river, bowling, playing with her grandkids, cooking, camping, biking, and traveling. Her adventurous spirit took her to many places, including a cross-continental bike tour in 1981, a missions trip in Africa, backpacking in Venezuela, and trips with her daughters to Mexico and France.

She is survived by her three daughters, Melanie Joy Knight, Emily Joy Heleva-Ponaski, and Angela Joy Boyce; two sons-in-law, Bradley Knight and Jordan Boyce; six grandsons, Kai, Eli, Brer, Liam, Finnlee, and Llewyn; and furry companion, Willow.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Bitterroot Health, Daly Leech Chapel and the Ravalli County Sheriffs for their support and compassionate care. Deep gratitude to Bitterroot Hospice for supporting her as she made the transition. Per Judith's wishes, her family will celebrate her life privately this spring at Ross Creek Cedars. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at judyjoy1030@gmail.com.