Joan Elaine Elmore

Joan Elaine Elmore, 85, of Missoula, passed away on October 1, 2024, at Missoula Community Hospital, surrounded by family.

She was born on May 25, 1939, in Mahoning Township Lehighton, PA, to Marvin W. Miller and Alma L. Kistler Miller. On January 20, 1943, Joan was adopted by her aunt and uncle, Doris K. Crilley Miller and Stewart P. Miller.

While attending the University of Montana, living in Missoula, Joan met and married Hugh E. Elmore on June 20, 1959. She devoted her life to her family and volunteered in the community, most recently with Missoula Aging Services. Joan worked alongside Hugh preparing tax returns for many years. She enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing, boating, and spending time with family and friends at Flathead Lake. She loved spending time with children, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren; often caring for young family members. She was a cancer survivor, but in her later years she suffered from advanced dementia.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, nine months, Hugh. Survivors include: six sisters, a brother, numerous nieces, and nephews. A daughter Deborah Butler, Helena; son David and his wife Staci, Missoula; granddaughter Devan (Matt) Rowe, Scotch Plains, New Jersey; grandson E. Gage (Brittany) Elmore, great grandson Blake, great granddaughter Maycee, and bonus great grandson Braxton Smith, Lolo, Montana.

A celebration of life will be held at Garden City Funeral Home, 1705 West Broadway, Missoula on November 2, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.; Joan’s interment with Hugh will be the Monday following, at the Western Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery, Missoula.