Jo Anne Eschler of Helena, MT died on Friday February 7, 2025, in the loving company of her daughter Heidi Danicich, her son-in-law Jim Danicich, and her niece Jami Eschler.

Jo Anne was born September 12, 1936, in Glendive, MT. Her parents were Leonard L. Mosser and Musetta G. Hatch Mosser Moran.

Her daughter Heidi and her son-in-law Jim Danicich survive. Her husband L. Edward Eschler preceded her in death.

Jo Anne retired from the Montana Department of Transportation in 1993. She enjoyed her time at the DOT and developed several longtime friendships.

After retirement, Jo worked part-time at Carroll College in the department of Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science. Jo described her part-time work at Carroll College as "the perfect retirement job". Carroll College held a special place in Jo's life as she had previously worked there as the secretary to the president who at that time was Monsignor Joseph Harrington who became a lifelong family friend.

In the 1950's Jo met the love of her life, Ed Eschler. They married in 1957, which started their life of adventure. Jo and Ed enjoyed alpine and Nordic skiing, hiking, mountain biking, running, horseback riding, backpacking, and boating at the Gates of the Mountains. One of their biggest adventures was living in Melbourne, Australia for the entire year of 1975.

After Ed's passing in 1996, Jo continued adventuring and traveled extensively in Europe, the US and Canada. There were also many fun-filled trips to Hawaii with Jim and Heidi. The family cabin in the Boulder River Valley was a highlight of Jo's life. Jo loved hiking and liked nothing better than to reach the summit of a mountain. Her sister-in-law Mary Lynne Eschler had a cabin nearby and the two of them shared many evenings together which included extensive menu planning, cooking and enjoying their gourmet meals together.

In 2007 at a high school reunion in Stanford, MT Jo met Don Skelton. She and Don enjoyed the next 17 years together until Don's passing in August of 2024.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Jo's life will be held at a later date. Burial will be in the Montana Veterans' Cemetery with her husband Ed.

A very special thank you to Jo's dear friends Aggie Hamilton, Marilyn Pearson, Doris Copenhaver, Sanna Yost, and Barb Harris who surrounded her with love throughout the last months of her life.

Additionally, a special thank you goes out to the caring staff at Touchmark and Enhabit Home Health and Hospice. Dr. Nicole Clark, Dr. Ana Nast, and Morgan Teegarden, PA-C provided the compassionate care that Jo needed at the end or her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Jo was a breast cancer survivor.