Jo Ann Miller Robitaille

Jo Ann Miller Robitaille, 87, passed away in her sleep on June 5, 2022, after being a living example of positivity and persistence. Jo Ann was the finest, most supportive mother, a shining example of what a parent should be. A celebration of her life will be on June 23, 2022, at Bethel Lutheran Church at 12:30 p.m. Jo Ann was born to John Mac Miller and Margaret Eugenia (Donnell) Miller, in Brownwood, Texas on December 14, 1934. She was named after her mother’s brother, Joe and college roommate, Ann. Jo Ann was the oldest of five children, spending her childhood on a ranch in Eliasville, Texas that was built by her great- great-grandfather and his brothers. The ranch also housed a mill on the Brazos River, a historical monument. Jo Ann lost both of her parents when she was in her early thirties and as the oldest of her siblings, she undertook the responsibility to help raise some of her younger siblings. She was the last of her siblings to pass away. Jo Ann attended high school twenty-five miles from her home and rode a small “squished” school bus to Graham, Texas. During her senior year of high school, she was awarded wittiest and class favorite, traits that she carried with her throughout her life. She attended the University of Houston, graduating with a business degree. She taught typing and advanced English at Dickenson High School and the University of Houston after graduation. Jo Ann had two daughters, Suzanne (Flynn) Sherick, of Missoula, and Sara (Doug) Sexe, of Great Falls, when she was married to Tom Robitaille. Jo Ann had two grandchildren, Allison (Dan) Morris and Payton Sexe, of Great Falls, and recently was overjoyed to welcome twin great-granddaughters, Finley and Olivia Morris. She was extremely proud of her upbringing and her family, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, talking about them to whomever was available. After spending her energy as a homemaker raising her two daughters, in her mid-fifties Jo Ann secured full time employment both as a legal secretary and as a salesperson at Spencer’s Gift Shop in downtown Great Falls, often working more than eighty hours a week. She was active in the First Presbyterian Church, Civ-Airs, Symphony Bridge, and Mary Kay Cosmetics sales. In the early 1980s, Jo Ann’s previously diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis started to be more debilitating, testing her resilience for the rest of her life. Even through times of hardship and challenge, Jo Ann managed to have a smile on her face most every day. She was extremely optimistic and stated that she was very lucky. She encouraged nearly every single person she ever met and befriended everyone. When asked why she smiled so much, she would reply, “It’s good medicine. You can sit there and think about how sick you are, and it will make you sicker, or you can be happy and enjoy the things you do have.” Until Covid restrictions prevented her from playing, Jo Ann would play bridge twice a month with her wonderful group of friends who came to her home at Benefis Westview. She made a connection between bridge and her life, stating, “Make do with the cards you have. Pick out the positive things and enjoy them.” Jo Ann’s motto was “No matter what happens, you have to keep going. Be nice to people, enjoy them. Always do as much as you can and never complain. If you don’t, you are your own worst enemy.” She lived that motto in spite of her life’s challenges and was an inspiration to all who knew her. She will truly be missed. Jo Ann’s family would like to sincerely thank the caregivers who assisted and cared for her throughout the years.