Juanita Rockstad

Juanita Rockstad went home to be with Jesus on Oct. 26, 2022. Juanita was born to Antonio and Louisa Riojas on Dec. 20, 1951, in Billings. She was born number 9 out of the 16 Riojas brothers and sisters. She grew up in Laurel.

Juanita was just 4 years old when she found the love of Jesus. She grew up worshiping and singing in the Laurel church. From a young age, she knew God had called her to be a pastor’s wife. After graduating in 1970, she went on to attend college at Trinity Bible College. It was here she met the love of her life, Johan Rockstad. After one date with him, she knew God had brought her to her future husband and, after a short courtship, they were married on May 7, 1971, at her home church in Laurel.

Juanita held jobs in various fields, such as roofing, working at a dairy, and job services.

No matter the job she held, her favorite by far was being at her husband’s side ministering to those both young and old. It was in 1987 they became the senior pastors of Chapel of Hope in Lockwood. There they served for 27 years.

In 2014, Joe retired from the Ministry and the two of them moved back to his family farm in Williston, North Dakota. There, they spent their days watching movies, playing card games, snacking on tons of popcorn and black licorice, and making up for lost time. In December of 2014, Joe went home to be with Jesus.

For nearly five years, Juanita stayed in Williston and helped take care of her beloved mother-in-law Joy and the farm. After Joy’s passing, Juanita was ready to come back to her family in Billings. She spent her time laughing and enjoying her family’s company, reading, watching Andy Griffith, and mastering the craft of gluten-free baking.

There was never a dull moment with Juanita. No matter the company, she always had a story for the occasion and the ability to make anyone feel welcome and loved. Though we mourn the loss of this incredible woman of God, we delight in her meeting her Savior, and the reunion between her and her brothers and sisters, as well as her true love Joe.

Juanita is survived by siblings Mary, Susan, Marcos, Danny, Bella, Sandy, and Tino, as well as many spoiled nieces and nephews.

Juanita is preceded in death by her parents, Antonio and Louisa; husband Rev. Joe Rockstad; siblings Antonio, Regina, Ramon, Gabriel, Matias, Jose, Julia and Martha.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at her home church Chapel of Hope in Lockwood.