Juanita Grace Stricker

Juanita Grace Stricker "Nita" passed away September 13, 2017 one hour before her 91st birthday. She was surrounded by love and wishes of grand adventures on her final journey home. She was born September 14th, 1926 in Casper Wyoming. Nita was the only girl of 6 children born to Grace (Mainwaring) and Paul Smith. Her family moved to Billings Montana where Nita spent the remainder of her childhood. She graduated from Billings Senior High in 1946. That same year she met and married Matt Stricker, also from Billings. Matt and Nita were married for 54 years before he passed away in 2000.

Always one for a challenge, Nita moved with Matt to Sheridan, Wyoming where they started their family and found new friendships they treasured for life. She was a lover of nature and a seeker of simplistic beauty. Nita was a woman of steady faith and soul deep kindness. She gently shared her love of nature, simplicity, God and kindness, with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She taught them of nature and the stuff of roots and of faith the maker of wings--- there is no doubt every single one of them looks for driftwood on shores, rocks on a path, and feathers under trees.

Eventually she moved back to Billings where she created a home filled with the smell of fresh baked bread, homemade soup, and Jovan Musk. Her abundant love could be tasted in the cookies she baked, the fudge she masterfully crafted, and pie crusts so flaky it evoked a sigh from anyone lucky enough to taste her love. She was an avid bridge player and could often be found sharing time and a good game with her friends.

After many winters traveling to Mexico, Matt and Nita settled down in Overton, Nevada. Nita continued to play bridge, hike, cook, bake, and live in faith. In Overton, she perfected her speed walking abilities –something she had done from the time she was a small child. Encouraged by her children and grandchildren, Nita started competing in local races. Her mastery of speed walking won her several medals. It delighted her to compete and to win which she did…a lot. In 1999, she placed first in the 70 and Older Women Division of the Sweet Pea 5K. She held that title for many years. Secretly this might have been one of her proudest moments (or at least in the top 10), although she would never admit it.

She is survived, loved and missed by her 3 children Kristy (Bob) Culley of Elko, NV, Linda Stricker of Bozeman, MT, Matt (Becky) Stricker of Bozeman, MT; grandchildren Bobbi (Darren) Coats of Elko, NV, Guy Culley of Las Vegas, NV, Jamie (Joe) Parker of Rockville, MD, Annamarie (Jay) Brasseur of Bozeman MT, Stacie (Peter) Jensen of St. Louis, MO; great grandchildren Jeff and ReeAnna Coats, Riely and Sawyer Brasseur, Charlie and Sam Parker, Hugo Jensen, Brent, Faith, Max, David and Rocky Culley. She is also survived by one sister-in-law, Embernetta Smith of Park City, MT and numerous nieces and nephews from both the Smith and Stricker families.

She leaves with those who knew and loved her, blessings of a life well lived, dreams of the best fried chicken west of the Mississippi, a purse pocket full of cinnamon and butterscotch discs and a trail of quiet but powerful faith. She will join all 5 of her brothers, Jim, Mike, Harold, Dale, and Herbie, her husband Matt, father Paul, mother Grace and many family and friends in what is sure to be a glorious and happy reunion.

A Rosary will be held on Thursday, September 21 at 5:30 p.m. at Dahl Funeral & Cremation Service Tribute Center followed by a Vigil. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, September 22 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church followed by burial at Sunset Hills Cemetery.

A special thank you to all the lovely ladies of Hospice of Bozeman Health who came into her home these past few weeks. Their support, gentleness and guidance gave us all a measure of comfort we will never forget. Memorials may be made in Juanita’s name to Bozeman Health Foundations (memo line Hospice), 931 Highland Blvd, suite 3200, Bozeman, MT 59715. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.dahlcares.com.