Joyce Ann Easter
ST. IGNATIUS — Joyce Ann Easter, 69, passed away on Friday, March 26, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Ronan of natural causes.
She was born August 17, 1940, in Cincinnati, Ohio to Elbert and Rubie Hecker. In high school, she was the only recipient of the William Woodward Scholarship, which gave her a full ride scholarship to the University of Cincinnati where she majored in math and English, with a minor in German.
On June 1, 1962, she married the love of her life, Neil Easter, in Cincinnati. They raised two boys together, Kirk and Erik. She stayed at home with her boys for 10 years and then went to work as a teacher. She taught at Washington Courthouse, Middletown Ohio, and Mariemont high schools. She and her family travelled every summer to Yellowstone National Park and fell in love with Montana.
In 1983 they moved to St. Ignatius where she taught at the local school until the time of her death. She loved students and they loved her. Many students graduated because she refused to let them fail. She took her students into her heart and was like a mother and grandmother to so many students over the years.
She enjoyed camping, fishing, knitting, and listening to classical music. During the last few years, she particularly loved playing with her grandchildren. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, teacher and friend.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elbert and Rubie Hecker. She is survived by her husband, Neil of St. Ignatius; two sons, Kirk Easter and wife Alison of Missoula, and Erik Easter and wife Jeanette of Greeley, Colo.; one sister, Elaine Taylor and husband Ron of Eatonton, Ga.; two nieces, Karyn Taylor of Savannah, Ga., and Missy Milligan and husband Jim of Gainesville, Fla.; two grandchildren, Kaydn and Kamron Easter of Missoula; and one great-nephew, Connor Milligan of Gainesville, Fla.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 2 at 10 a.m. in the Mission High School gymnasium. Charles (Chuck) Tellier will be officiating. A family burial service will follow at the Catholic Cemetery. A reception will follow at the St. Ignatius Community Center for all friends and family.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Mission Scholarship Foundation, care of Lake County Bank, P.O. Box 664, St. Ignatius MT 59865.
Condolences may be sent to gardencity@missoulafuneralhomes.com.
