Joan Haiston O’Brien

Joan Haiston O'Brien, 92, died Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016. Joan was an original member of the Billings Symphony Orchestra, for which she played the harp for 50 years before retiring in 2001. She loved the sound of the instrument and was often told, "You'll play first chair when you get to heaven." Joan had lived in Westpark Village since 2010 and was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church.

Joan was born on Dec. 27, 1923, in Omaha, to Frank and Lula Vieth Haiston. She graduated from high school at age 15 and received a bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa in 1943. She met James Richmond O'Brien on a blind date while both were attending the university. They were married in 1944 and, after World War II, settled permanently in Billings. Jim died in 2009.

Joan taught speech, English and drama at Lincoln Junior High School from 1968 to 1985. She was an avid golfer and enjoyed puzzles, cards, baking, needlepoint, knitting and correcting the grammar of her children and grandchildren.

Joan is survived by four children, Teresa (William) McCombs of Wichita, Kan., John (Peggy) O'Brien of Billings, Barbara (Corey) King of Snohomish, Wash., and Kathleen O'Brien of Portland, Ore.; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 10, at First United Methodist Church, 2800 Fourth Ave. N., with a luncheon at the church to follow. The Rev. Tim Hathaway will officiate. Memorial donations may be made to FUMC.