Joan King

Joan (pronounced JoAnn) Hazel Skillman King, 74 passed away Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at Billings Clinic Emergency room.

Joan was born to Tom and Esther (Reynolds) Skillman in Livingston, MT on October 5th, 1933. In her early life, Joan lived up the Mission Creek on the family ranch with her parents and her siblings Ruth, Helen and Kenneth. She attended Gordon School, Beaver Creek School and graduated from Park High School in 1951. Joan married Wayne M. King on December 14th, 1950. After their marriage, they moved to Pray, MT where they operated the Pray store. They then traveled and lived in many areas working road construction settling in Billings in 1958 where they made their home with their children, Judie, Tim and Mitch. Joan worked with Wayne in their businesses, King Construction and Northwest Manufacturing, most of her life. Her loving nickname from her friends and grandkids was Granny and from her great grandkids was G.G.

Joan was a member of the Daughter's of the Nile of the Shrine. She was supportive of Wayne's membership in the AlBedoo Shrine and AlBedoo Shrine Clowns and their many activities and numerous events. She also was a Rainbow Girl and a member of The Park County Pioneer Society.

Joan is survived by her husband of 56 years, Wayne King, daughter Judie (Walt) Manuel of Winnett, Tim (Louise) King and Mitch (Holly) King of Billings. Grandchildren: Brian (Niki) Manuel Miles City; Greg Manuel, Dallas; Justin King of Billings and Jaclyn (Patrick) Lewis of Bozeman. Great Grandchildren: Grady Manuel of Miles City; Addie, Ashlyn, Aliza, and Annelise Lewis of Bozeman, her sister Helen Milam of Livingston, brother Kenneth Skillman of Idaho, and numerous nieces and nephews. Her parents and her sister Ruth preceded her in death.

The family would like to thank the Oncology Department at Billings Clinic for their tender care through Mom's illness. A special thank you to Dr. Tom Purcell, Diane Jones, Emily Dettro and the many nurses and staff. Today we would also like to thank Billings Clinic Emergency Room Staff for their care.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial Services will be held on March 26, 10:30 a.m. at Michelotti-Sawyers 10th and Alderson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the AlBedoo Shrine Transportation Trust Fund of Billings.

Dear Wayne and family, Joan will be really missed. I have known her almost my entire life. I know my Mom will miss her tons. Sorry for your loss. Love Lori Hotchkiss Couch

Dear Wayne, Judie, Tim, Mitch, and families, Joan will truly be missed by our family. What a neat lady. You are all in our prayers in this difficult time of loss. Love, Nikki and family

To Wayne ,Judy, Tim & Mitch I will always remember Joan and your family when we were all a lot younger. Those were good years! Bob Fears Jr

Judie, Tim & Mitch…it’s been forever since I’ve seen you, but I am truly sorry about your loss. love to you all. cheryl lovely Wayne, Judy, Tim and Mitch

We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. She will be greatly missed. John and Patsy Norton

Wayne, Judie, Tim and Mitch, Please accept my sympathy for your loss. I hope your memories of her will sustain you through this difficult time. Sincerely, Lana Craig, Scottsdale AZ.

To Wayne, Misty and all of Joan’s family! We want to express our sincere sympathy in learning of Joan’s passing. She will be missed. Phyllis and I enjoyed spending time with her on our trips to Billings and Miles City over the past few years. Joan was a real trooper when Wayne, Joan and Donna came to Detroit to visit the Henry Ford! What a trip. We wish you pleasant memories of Joan! Love, cousins Carol Sipsock and Phyllis Teich

Judie, Walt, Brian and Niki, Sorry to hear of your loss. You’re in our thoughts and prayers. Ashlea and Karina Redding

Just want you to know you are all in my thoughts as we approach a year since we lost your wonderful wife, mother grandmother & great-grandmother. Nikki Brown