Joann Shindoll

Joann Arlene Shindoll, of Townsend, Montana died in her home, surrounded by her family on November 7, 2023. She was 64 years old.

Joann was born January 9, 1959, in Helena, MT to Albert and Connie Shindoll. She grew up on the family farm east of Townsend with her two brothers, Ed and Tom. Joann attended Cecilia Hazelton Elementary School and Broadwater County High School in Townsend. She graduated high school in 1977. After graduation, Joann worked on the farm and started working in Townsend at 3D Video, the movie rental store. This is where she met Larry Gibson, her common law husband, for 27 years. Joann worked at the Creamery as a waitress when the video store closed and then moved to the Mint Café when the Creamery closed. She became a well-liked person for all that she helped and visited with during her tenure of working in Townsend. Larry and Joann worked together and travelled quite a bit through the years. Joann was usually the instigator of all that they did together.

Joann probably got started in the waitress career when our family was running the concession stand at the rodeo. We started with the 4-H clubs running the stand and then it was transferred to our family working the stand for years.

Joann enjoyed baking and decorating cakes for all occasions and for anyone who wanted a beautiful cake. Joann was always decorating the businesses where she worked for the Holidays. She has a storeroom full of decorations and Teddy Bears. Joann also refinished old dining sets including tables and chairs. Every year when her big brother, Ed, climbed the Townsend water tower to work on the Christmas lights, she was on the ground crew changing the light bulbs in the light strings when they were let down to the ground. Joann found the material to change and update the cords for these lights and to upgrade the light bulbs to LED.

Joann and Larry did not have any kids, but Joann was always doing things for her nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Joann was able to go to the volleyball games that her great niece was playing.

Joann passed away peacefully in her home after a long battle with diabetes and a stroke that made her retire from the work that she loved doing.

Joann is survived by Larry Gibson, her mother Connie Shindoll, brothers Ed (Kathy)Shindoll and Tom Shindoll, and nephew Jim (Katria) Shindoll, Jane and Elinor, and niece Jennilee (Cory) Bird, Emily, Tanner and Tyler.

Joann was preceded in death by her father Albert Shindoll.

Cremation has taken place. A service is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on November 17, 2023 at Trailhead Church in Townsend, Montana, with a reception following at the church. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Joann’s life.  Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family.

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