Ardis JoWayne Huestis, 80, passed away due to natural causes at Northern Montana Care Center on Friday, May 10, 2024.  Cremation has taken place, and private family services will be held at a later date.  JoWayne's family has suggested memorial donations be made in her memory to the Alzheimer's Foundation, Leukemia Foundation, or charity of the donor's choice.  Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements.

JoWayne was born on November 19, 1943, in Bowman, ND, to Ernest and Delight  Schmidt.  In 1949 the family moved to a ranch in Big Timber, MT. Then in 1951 they moved to the PN ranch south of Big Sandy MT. In 1952 the family moved to Lewistown, MT where JoWayne graduated from Fergus High School.  She married Leland Huestis in the early 60's, and the couple had three sons who they raised in Havre.  After Leland passed away she decided to attend Northern Montana College and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in elementary education. In 1991 she started working for Herbergers, where she remained until her retirement in the early 2006.  She also worked off and on as a substitute teacher for the Havre Public Schools.

JoWayne was a talented artist who enjoyed painting, sculpting, and crocheting.  She liked to sing, read, and tending to her rose garden.  Family was very important to JoWayne, and she absolutely adored hers, especially her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leland Huestis; parents, Ernest and Delight Schmidt; and brothers, Stanley Schmidt , Jerald Schmidt , Bob Place, Bill Place, and Jack Place.

JoWayne is survived by her sons, Lee (Lori) Huestis of Kalispell, Trevin (Donna) Huestis and Brett (Lisa) Huestis, all of Havre; seven grandchildren, Tyler, Trent, Madison, Maverick, Rydell, Hadley, and Hagen; brother, Lavern Schmidt; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.