Johanna Grace Lemons

On a beautiful, sunny evening at 5:56 p.m. Johanna Grace Molenda Lemons went home to the love of her life, with her children by her side. Johanna, daughter of Joseph and Lillian Molenda, was born on March 29th, 1940 in Polson, Montana. She attended Polson and Thompson Falls High schools. She had planned to go to college to be an English teacher, but God had another path for her to take. This is when her life began.

She was cooking for the Wills Ranch in Potomac, Montana, when a young fella named Delmar Lemons saw her playing with some children and said, "That's the girl I'm going to marry!”

Delmar asked her out on a date and the rest is history; they were married three months later on October 24th, 1958 in Missoula, Montana. They were married for 65 glorious years.

In 1960 they started their family; they had two daughters, Suzanne and Dawn, and a son, Ross. Raising a family was their life dream. They didn't have much money, but LOTS of love.

When you think of Jo/Johanna/JoAnn, the words kind, caring, compassionate, loving and cheerful come to mind. Jo was quick to make friends. She would complement strangers and engage in conversations. She was a keeper of secrets and was willing to give advice or just lend an ear and always give you a hug.

Among many of her talents was sewing, she could sew any dress, Western shirt or doll clothes, with or without a pattern. She could crochet and knit, as well as quilt. She also was known for her homemade cards and crafting. The cards were a labor of love and are treasured by all that receive them. She also collected dolls for many years. Her baking and cooking were second to none. If you were ever lucky enough to sit at her table, you would remember the homemade meals and baked goodies. You would also remember all the love and laughter at the Lemons house. And talk about a talented and hard-working woman, she would drive the tractor , help put up hay, and raise the most amazing Garden in Seeley! We remember eating beans and peas and carrots right out of the garden, ( Oftentimes the very vegetables that were to be eaten for dinner.) She would can those delicious vegetables for winter. We grew up on fresh meat, fresh milk and eggs and sourdough. It was an eye-opener when we flew the coop at how

" different " food from the store was.

Jo was a lover of animals. She would care for abandoned or injured animals such as; bunnies, ducks, birds, a baby crow named Charlie, and a baby pig come to mind. She also played the drums in a band called the “ Lemons Tree-O" alongside her husband, Delmar and brother-in-law, Zane. A local favorite.

In retirement, Delmar and Jo camped and fished and traveled as far as Alaska. Making some of their favorite memories. She was also an avid fisherman. She was usually the first to catch a fish and often the biggest one, and wasn't afraid to boast about that skill.

Family was very important to Delmar and Jo. WE, Suzie, Dawn and Ross, are their legacy. Our families will continue to carry on the traditions and morals we were raised on. We will not let our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren ever forget what we are made of, or where we came from.

The marriage of Delmar and Johanna combined created a family of Love, Laughter, Grit and Determination. They gave us Roots. Johanna was a wonderful, loving Wife, Mother, Grandma and Gigi.

Our angel on Earth has earned her wings. She is dancing in the grassy fields of wildflowers with the birds and butterflies, in the arms of the love of her life.

Rest in Eternal peace, Beautiful Soul.

Left to cherish her memory are her children Suzanne (James) Teafoe; Dawn (Troy) Rauch; Ross (Tanya) Lemons; six grandchildren, Ryan (Lindsay) Teafoe; Alyssa Teafoe;Joey (Catie) Moderie; Jennifer Moderie; Zane (Melina) Lemons; Cody (Hannah) Lemons; nine great-grandchildren; and a sister Dorothy Molenda Olver and nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Johanna was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Lillian Molenda and her sister Diane Molenda Shear.

Graveside service will take place at Seeley Lake Cemetery on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Condolences may be left at www.gardencityfh.com