Joann Tabish

Joann Doris Tabish

November 23, 1931-September 8, 2024

  Our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, Joann Doris Tabish (Blackburn) entered eternal rest September 8th, 2024. She was 92 years old. She lived every one of those years loving us hard and unconditionally. 

 Joann was born to Theron and Dorothy Blackburn, November 23, 1931, in Missoula, MT. She spent some of her childhood living with her aunts and uncles, Grace and Ellis Parker, and Lloyd and Marie Wise as her parents were stationed overseas. 

On October 2nd, 1949, she married Marvin Tabish. They had 5 children (Carol, David, Mark, Sandra, and Susan). They spent many summers traveling to Flathead Lake as a family. They built several homes in the Missoula area, then settled in Victor, MT where many memories were made. Grandma was known for her amazing home cooked meals, Christmas cookies and candy, scrapbooking, crafts, gardening, and family traditions. Family was everything to her. We would get together for every holiday and if there was an excuse to get together again, we would do that too. Her greatest gift was the love she had for her family. After Marvins retirement, they wintered in Arizona. She always loved the sunshine and warm weather. 

 Despite the sadness and grief, her transition was beautiful. Dana prayed with her, and her breathing changed as he prayed. She fought a bit longer then opened her eyes, looked around at her family, then took her final breath at 6:26 pm while Willie Nelson played in the background. We held her hand as she let go. Having her family by her side brought her peace. She is finally with Jesus. Her great granddaughters picked out her outfit for her “hot date” with our grandfather (or papa to us). It had been 15 long years since she saw him last. She died on a Sunday, her favorite day, with her family by her side.

 Our hearts are broken. 

 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

 Survivors include her children Carol and Craig Rawlings, Dave Tabish, Mark and Cathy Tabish, Sandy Tabish, Susie and Rob Miramontez; grandchildren Nicholas Rawlings, Jamie and Dana Cramer, Kristin and Frank McGraw, Cory Lambert, Sadie Tabish and Dave Romenesko, Kami Tabish and James Bennett, Whitney and James Nasura, Michelle Tabish and Travis Vohs, Ryan Miramontez, Mykle Martin and Kacie Zarnik; great grandchildren Haiden Cramer, Grasey Szwedkowicz, Kimmerah Wright, Alec Rawlings, Danika Cramer, Alaina Rawlings, Logan Cramer, Rylan Blanken, Skye Vohs, Paityn Nasura, Mia Miramontez, Carter Nasura, Iver Vohs, Tenley Miramontez, Rowan Vohs, Alyx Martin, and Bryden Martin; sister in law Shelly Tabish; Cousin Joyce; Nephews Mike and Ben Blackburn

 She was preceded in death by her husband Marvin Tabish; parents Theron and Dorothy; brother Larry; aunts and uncles Grace and Ellis, Lloyd and Marie; grandparents Ben and Viva; cousins Nancy, Neil, Don, Donna, and Jean; son in law Kim Lambert; her boston Terriers Bo and Beejay

 Our family wants to express our sincere gratitude to those who made her last days better. There were many but there are some that showed her unwavering, unconditional love and compassion. She saw you. We saw you. Her struggles in her final days broke our hearts. A special thank you to Tamara, Jordan, Gavin, Gary, Chelle, Dr. Brown, Irene, Maze, Ray, Ashley, Alaina, Jessie, and everyone else that loved her even on her hard days. Thank you to Partners Hospice (Ryann, Bailey, Destini, and James). Your work does not go unnoticed. You are special. Keep doing what you are doing. 

 Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 28th, at Garden City Funeral Home. There will be a private burial on Monday, September 30th. Honorary pallbearers will be all of Joann’s great grandchildren.