Patricia Joan Harding Monforton, 86

Smile because she lived: The family of Patricia Joan Harding Monforton, with profound sorrow, announces her recent passing. To know Joan was to know the essence of the original spirit of Montana. She was born to the land, a direct descendant of the first pioneers to the picturesque Ruby Valley and the current town of Sheridan, Montana. The last of a vanishing heritage, she'll be forever linked to Montana's founding history. Many of her family's artifacts and memorabilia remain displayed in Virginia City's historical museums. Her family's history is recorded in two published volumes of Pioneers and Trails.

Joan shared an interesting and unique lineage with her descendant, Thomas Noble, who immigrated to America in 1650. Mr. Noble was a descendant of Charles Chauncy, the 2nd President of Harvard University, and the Rev. Peter Bulkeley, founder of Concord, Massachusetts. All of whom are direct descendants of King Edward 1 of England, Alfred the Great, and Charlemagne. Two other ancestors, Silas and Medad Noble, served in the Revolutionary War. Her heritage is also traced to the Nesbits of Berkshire, Scotland, where the Nesbit Castle still stands.

Joan was a lady of immense talents and abilities, most notably her intellect and photographic memory. She was a gifted artist, a published creative writer, a successful magazine editor/publisher, and an accomplished equestrian. There is a bevy of superlatives and accolades that can be attached to her memory.

Joan was born June 12, 1939, to Ed and June Harding of Bozeman, Montana. Both Ed and June were stalwarts of the community and its education system. Ed was an outstanding athlete while attending Montana State University. He was a long-time coach, teacher, and Vice Principal at Bozeman Senior High School. Ed was a gifted pianist who never received a music lesson or the ability to read music notes, yet earned his way through college playing piano at various events.

Joan taught at Bozeman's Hawthorne Elementary but was most notably recognized for her philanthropic endeavors on behalf of the community's needy children. In her youth, June was known as the 'Song Bird' of the Ruby Valley for her beautiful singing voice. June attended Montana Western College at the age of 16. She was both beautiful and intelligent, yet most gracious and charming.

Joan attended Bozeman schools, having graduated from Bozeman Senior High School. She majored in good-natured rabble-rousing. Her high school hijinks included "borrowing" the school's Driver's Ed. Riding the school's vacuum cleaner down the undulating hallways was just a sampling of Joan's dedication to a good time. She was a kick-ass Montana kid!!!

Joan was a beautiful and precocious child who enjoyed an idyllic childhood while spending much of her youth at her grandparents' Bar K Ranch nestled in the heart of the scenic Ruby Valley. Throughout her life, she would fondly recall a privileged life at the Sheridan ranch. The ranch was her sanctuary as days were filled with the embrace of family, friends, social events, picnics, dances, and county fairs. It was a good time to be a child in the serenity of sweet memories.

The Bar K Ranch was originally founded by Joan's great-great-grandfather, Col. Sandford Thomas, a Civil War hero who settled in the Ruby Valley in the 1860s. The ranch was sited along the banks of the tranquil Indian Creek. Curiously, the infamous "Robber's Roost" was located near the ranch. Joan enjoyed sharing stories of playing with her cousins at the historical site.

Col. Thomas donated a portion of his ranch land to serve as Sheridan's community cemetery. He brought the first Thoroughbred horses from Kentucky to the Montana territory. These horses were fondly known as 'Gold Dust' thoroughbreds. Iconic western artist, Charles M. Russell, painted a beautiful picture of Joan's great-great aunt Edith riding side saddle on one of these horses.

Horses, especially Thoroughbreds, were a definite part of Joan's DNA. She had a 6th sense and an uncanny ability to 'see' the extraordinary capabilities within these equines. Joan was an expert in the pedigrees and bloodlines of the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse breeds.

Joan was an accomplished equestrian, having ridden since she was a very young child. Her esteemed grandfather, W.E. "Doc" Kearney, gave Joan her pony, Diamond. The pair trekked many a mile across the serene Ruby Valley. Joan developed her equestrian skills to capture the title of Miss Rodeo Montana while riding her thoroughbred mare, "Flossy", a granddaughter of the legendary Man O'War.

Perhaps some of Joan's most cherished memories regarding horses were time spent with racing superstar, Secretariat, and other racing legends of the era while visiting the fabled Kentucky bluegrass thoroughbred farms. She was later able to see Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew-a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any horse enthusiast.

Joan credited her adored grandfather, W.E. "Doc" Kearney, for her love of all creatures great and small. It was an inherent love passed through the family's generations. Joan, throughout her life, would lovingly recall accompanying "Doc" on his many ranch visits to help sick and injured ranch animals. Joan would enthusiastically share her adventures of chasing wild horses across the Wyoming plains, a testament to her fearless spirit. Now, she is free to ride the winds of eternity.

Joan married Joseph F. Monforton of the prestigious Monforton Hereford Ranch headquartered at Gallatin Gateway, Montana. Joe was a descendant of the first pioneers to the Gallatin Valley. The ranch would grow to be one of the largest purebred cattle ranches in the country, with holdings controlling a vast amount of the Gallatin Valley and stretching to Cardwell and Whitehall, Montana. Joan was well suited to life on a prominent cattle ranch. Together, they continued to raise award-winning Hereford cattle and performance Quarter Horses. They enjoyed weekend rodeos, horse and cattle shows, and Quarter Horse races. Joan and Joe were active members of the Gallatin Saddle Club, Winter Fair, and Montana Hereford Association.

Opportunity lured the dynamic duo to Canada, where they became involved with the importing and promotion of Charolais cattle from France. This would prove to be an exciting and prosperous time for the couple as they were at the forefront of a new era in the beef industry. It was in Canada that Joan found her 'stride' as a successful journalist, editor, advertising and design layout professional for the fledgling Charolais Banner.

The adventure in Canada soon led the couple to become involved with importing and promoting Simmental cattle from Switzerland. They purchased a start-up publication, Simmental Shield. Joan's talents soon catapulted the publication to become an internationally award-winning breed publication. She was the backbone of the magazine's success. Joan was instrumental in developing the concept of hosting cattle sales in the ballrooms of upscale hotels. This new era in the cattle business attracted some of the world's wealthiest individuals to invest in the Charolais and Simmental breeds. Joan's charm and articulate manners allowed her to move with grace among this crowd.

While in Canada, the couple purchased and imported a magnificent European Warmblood horse, Irish Green, from Lord and Lady Gordon of Scotland. This allowed daughter, Cherie, to train and compete under the tutelage of Harry Churchill, Horseman for the Dominion of Britain.

Joan returned to Bozeman after Joe's passing. It pained her soul to witness Bozeman's rapid transgression from a bastion of expansive ranches, lush pastures, never-ending hay fields, and an abundance of wildlife, all supported by never-ending creeks and rivers. In her opinion, the 'Valley' was no longer a homage to the American West.

She became more and more reclusive as a myriad of health issues forced her to seek respite care. Joan returned to her cherished home of Sheridan, Montana. Yes, you can go home again. Joan was admitted to Tobacco Root Care Center, where she has remained for the past two years. Her heart and soul would find a much longed-for peace.

Joan was carried to her place of eternal rest in a 1890s horse-drawn funeral coach and laid next to her adored grandfather, W.E. "Doc" Kearney. She is now eternally at rest in her beloved Montana ranch land.

Joan's passing was preceded by her parents, Ed and June Harding, husband Joseph F. Monforton, and beloved grandson J.C. Arnold. She is survived by son Joe Monforton, daughter Cherie (Chuck) Arnold, and brother James Harding. Grandchildren: Chris (Deanna) Arnold, Natalie (Reese) Riggin, Michelle Monforton, Amy (Ben) Butler, and Austin Carr. Great grandchildren Trystian (Hannah) Arnold, Joseph Arnold, Cruz and Chevelle Riggin, Andrew, Jenessa, Gabe, Noelle, Woodard, Liam Galloway, Alec, and Peyton Butler.

The family expresses their most heartfelt appreciation to Tobacco Root Care, Dr. Louis Bartoletti of Ruby Valley Medical Center, and Stillwater Hospice for their outstanding commitment to providing Joan with the highest level of professional care.

May the love of our memories provide us comfort.