Joline Carpenter

Joline Carpenter passed away peacefully at her home in Billings, MT in the arms of her husband on the afternoon of Friday, June 26th, 2015. She was 59 years old.

Joline was born in Red Lodge, Montana in January of 1956 to Donald and Ursula Short, and was the youngest of three children. They lived above the cleaners that were owned and run by her parents on Main Street. She lived in Red Lodge throughout her childhood and high school.

Joline was married twice. Her first husband was Michael Martin of Lewistown, MT, with whom she had one son, Lott Martin in 1984. They were married from 1979 until 1989. Her second husband and lifelong partner was Vern Carpenter. They were married from 1989 until her death.

Joline graduated from Red Lodge High School in 1974. Following high school, she completed her Licensed Practical Nurse training through trade school. She started working at St. Vincent's hospital in 1978, and worked there for 35 years with only one small break until her death. She worked the last 25 years on 3 Fortin, working mainly with oncology patients, and was part of the night shift crew for 20 years. She was a devoted and exceptionally compassionate nurse, touching countless lives in her years of service.

This love and compassion also defined who she was outside of work. She was a dedicated mother, wife, and friend who had a heart so big it held the lives of many in its space, and still does. Her favorite place to be was in the presence of those she loved and cared for. Joline enjoyed the great outdoors of Montana, and shared many memorable times with friends and family there, especially being on the boat and on the shores at Canyon Ferry, Bighorn Canyon, and the Afterbay. She also loved her beautiful back yard and garden that she continually cared for with Vern for 22 years at the ancestral Carpenter home, the Montana Coyotes jam room, and taking the motorhome down to Yellowstone Park.

Joline is survived by her husband of 26 years, Vern Carpenter, of Billings, MT; Her son Lott Martin and his wife Rosa Vissers of Seattle, WA, and Lott's children, Serena and Brody; Her brother David Short and his wife Jennifer of Arden Hills, MN; Her brother Daniel Short of Austin, Texas. She is also survived by numerous cousins and nephews, and by her other family, the Montana Coyotes, of Billings, MT.

Joline was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Ursula Short.

A remembrance of Joline's life will be held at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. in Billings at 11 am on Thursday, July 2nd, 2015. A date to spread Joline's ashes will be decided at a later time. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the St. Vincent's Foundation in Joline's memory.