JoAn Rai Riedlinger

JoAn Rai Riedlinger, 91, of Troy passed away peacefully Sunday, July 1, 2018, at the Boundary Community Hospital extended care facility in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Her passing follows a lengthy struggle with dementia.

JoAn was born in Aberdeen, Washington on June 5, 1927 to Charles and Ruth Chapel, and lived most of her life in the Troy area. She attended schools in Troy and married Martin Riedlinger on Nov. 2, 1941. JoAn and Martin formed Riedlinger Logging, an independent contractor business, which they operated for several decades. As she often said, “Martin was the logger and I was the bookkeeper and raised the kids.” She was a staunch supporter of the Montana Logging Association and Communities for a Great Northwest.

For a brief time, she and Martin also owned the Home Bar in Troy. JoAn was a long-time member of the Troy Business and Professionals Club. In her later years, she enjoyed gardening, reading and hosting large family gatherings at their home. Whether keeping a mulligan stew going for the hunting camp, preparing Thanksgiving dinner, or using her converted washing machine lid fry-pan to cook trout over a campfire, she was a great cook.

JoAn volunteered for many years covering emergency calls for Troy Area Dispatch and the Yaak and Bull Lake Volunteer Ambulance services. She was also an active member of the Troy Quilters Guild and the Yaak and Bull Lake Rod and Gun clubs.

JoAn was preceded in death by Martin, her husband of 72 years; her mother and father; and her brothers, Wes and Lonnie Chapel.

Survivors include daughters Bonnie (Clayton Price) of Troy; Donna (Larry Nelson) of Monroe, Washington; son Dennis (Karen) of Troy; “the twins” Darla (Tim Lindsey) of Houston, Texas, and Carla (Jim Bombino) of Beaverton, Oregon; brothers, Alton, Pat and Albert Chapel; sister, Leah Voorhies; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in-laws and others.

JoAn had numerous good friends who, along with family, will cherish lifetime memories. She is now at peace. Private family services are planned.

Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home. Share condolences and memories at www.schnackenbergfh.com.