Joan Stubblefield Dashnea

Joan Stubblefield Dashnea was born on July 10, 1943, in Townsend. In the weeks preceding her death, her thoughts returned to her youth and treasured memories of her family's life in rural Montana. Joan died on Monday, May 11, 2015, from sinus cancer while hospitalized in Missoula.

Joan spent her early childhood on her parents' cattle ranch near Toston. Her father, Maurice Stubblefield, was keenly observant and a gifted storyteller. Maurice enthralled his children with epic tales involving vivid characters and intricate plots. He also became a legendary raconteur among his peers. Joan's mother, Charlotte (Paul) Stubblefield, was a singularly independent and resourceful woman. She was a wonderful cook, masterful seamstress, proficient gardener and a capable hand on the ranch.

In 1952, the family left Toston, and moved to a ranch outside of Clancy. Joan recalled "When I saw our new place I thought I thought I was in a wonderland!" Their home was nestled in a lovely area with the homely name of Lump Gulch. She and her family readily embraced their new domain. Joan and sisters made forts in the hills, played in the creek, and entertained in a shed become playhouse. They managed a stable of intemperate steeds and dogged work horses. Granted, these animals were, to eyes of the uninitiated, a motley assortment of shovels, hoes, and rakes. When all else failed, she and her younger sister Gerry tormented elder sister Kay with imaginary mouse sightings. And Joan loved the chickens. She found their unique personalities and mannerisms lovable and amusing.

Joan's striking beauty and joyful spirit defined her throughout her adult life and travels. Her marriage to Pete Hahn brought her to Southern Arizona in the late sixties. During their marriage she admired the beauty of the Huachuca Mountains, and enjoyed the fun and revelry of their friends. Her children Charlie and Teresa remember these lively days fondly, as does their cousin David Stubblefield who joined the family while they lived in Arizona. Joan later treasured her time spent in Tucson in the early 70s, where she was caught up in the socio-political movements and energy of the time.

Joan moved back to Montana in 1974 and spent the majority of her life as a Missoula resident. She loved to work with people, and enjoyed working as a waitress and later as head of housekeeping. She shared laughter and comradery with her coworkers at 4B's restaurant and the Red Lion Inn.

In 1987 Joan married Pete Dashnea, and until his death in 2008 they enjoyed a pleasant, quiet life together. Joan's family, even her mother Charlotte, warmly welcomed Pete into the family.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents, Maurice and Charlotte; husband Pete Dashnea and sisters, Polly Stubblefield and Mary Eva Rummel.

Joan is survived by children, Charles (Shannon) Hahn of Seeley Lake, Teresa Hahn of Tucson, Arizona; granddaughter Nicole Hahn; brother Jim (Gail) Stubblefield of Clancy; sisters, Kay (Don) Smith of Montana City and Gerry (Gary) Pace of Boulder; sister in spirit, Jeane Greaves Case of Superior; numerous nieces and nephews and life long friend Pete Hahn of Sierra Vista, Arizona.

Joan also valued her family ties to: Barbara Dashnea of Missoula; Guy Dashnea of Fall City, Washington; Mike and Doris Langley and family of Missoula.

Her family extends their gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and care givers of St. Patrick Hospital, Community Hospital and the Village Healthcare Center.

Joan was generous to strangers, kind to animals, and never took beauty for granted. One of Joan's last purchases was a pair of gardening gloves; she was looking forward to another season in her garden. Think of Joan as you work the soil this year, or enjoy a flower in bloom.

Joan's friends and family will celebrate her life at a gathering in late summer.
Read Joan Dashnea's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.