Joanne Ruth (Bickerstaff) Monteith, born May 12, 1934, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed peacefully on November 11, 2025, surrounded by the family she cherished so deeply.

Joanne spent her early childhood in Cataldo, Idaho, attending Canyon Elementary School until the age of eleven. It was there, in those formative school years, that she met the love of her life, Robert William “Bobby” Monteith—a connection that would shape her entire life. After graduating from Moxee High School in the Yakima Valley, she continued her education at Whitworth College (now Whitworth University) in Spokane, Washington, majoring in Elementary Education. During her time at Whitworth, she was reunited with Bobby, her first and only true boyfriend. Their lifelong love story continued as they married shortly after her graduation and began building their life together in North Idaho.

Joanne devoted most of her teaching career to the Kellogg Joint School District, where she had the privilege of returning to her alma mater, Canyon Elementary, as an educator. She also taught at Pinehurst Elementary School, touching countless young lives with her patience, warmth, and unwavering belief in the value of education.

Alongside Bob, Joanne served her family, church and community faithfully for many years, sharing their gifts of music and ministry. Her life was rich with creativity and service—teaching, singing, sewing, baking, canning, and countless other pursuits that brought her joy and blessed those around her. Most importantly was her love for Jesus. Everything she did was done out of love and devotion for Him.

Joanne wore many hats during her lifetime, as well as many names of endearment of which you may not be aware. We called her Mama, Grandma, Jo-Jo, Auntie Jo, Great Grandma Joanne, Dorothy, Mable and Mrs. Monteith. No matter what hat she was wearing moment-to-moment or the name she was living out, we know one thing for certain; she was loved, she was respected, and she was the proverbial Salt of the Earth. She will be sorely missed and greatly remembered.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Lee W. and Ruth W. Bickerstaff, her beloved husband, Robert W. Monteith, and her daughter, Susan Lynn Monteith.

She is survived by her brothers John D. Bickerstaff (wife Kay) and William Bickerstaff (wife Jan), brother-in-law Don Spellmen; her children Cheryl Stueckle (husband Doug), Richard Monteith (wife Diane), and Linda Davis (husband Darrin); and a large, loving family of grandchildren: Anne Marie, Jonathan (Rebecca), Andrea (Mark), Nathan (Rebekah), Ashleigh, Angela, Joshua (Tonisha), Allicia (Lance), Erin (Woody), Christen (TJ), Amie (Mitchell), John (Cora), and Ryan. She also leaves behind many great-grandchildren—Aurora, Sylas, Kira, David, Ismael, Eliana, Theo, Jonathan, Wendell, Ryder, Rowan, Sunny, James, Malachi, Naomi, Amelia, Evelyn, Ronan, Liam, Layne, Eli, Jadyn, Alethea, Makiah, Oliver, Emberly, Macie, and Carson—each one a bright thread in the tapestry of her legacy. Joanne is also survived by dearly loved nieces and nephews: Todd (Patty), Kari, Bob, Chad (Michelle), Ray, Rob, Tina (Byron), Tricia (Sean), and Sara.

A celebration of Joanne’s life will be held at Canyon Elementary School on May 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Canyon Elementary—either monetary gifts, back packs or much needed school supplies—in honor of the place that shaped Joanne’s early years and later became the heart of her teaching career.

**Donations will be accepted in person at the time of Joanne’s memorial. Thank you in advance for your generosity in honor of our dear, sweet Mama (Mrs. Monteith).

Memories of Joanne and messages of condolence may be shared online with her family at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services of the Silver Valley is assisting with arrangements.