Joan I. Rebich passed away Thursday afternoon, Jan. 24, 2019, at the Springs Assisted Living Center surrounded by her family.   She was born in Butte on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 1938, to Byron and Dolores (Richards) Rogers.

      She attended Emerson and graduated from Butte High School.   She earned her Bachelor's and Master’s degrees from Western Montana College in Dillon and for many years was the only social worker in Beaverhead County.

      She worked in all facets of social work but found working with children to be her greatest joy.   After ten years in Beaverhead County, Joan moved to Helena in 1978 and worked with and for children there until 1989 when she moved to California.   While in Helena, she was instrumental in passing legislation that help social workers qualify for payment from medical insurance.   She received many awards and accommodations during her dedicated career.   She retired in 1993 in Riverside, California, after a career lasting 35 years.   Working with and protecting children was her lifelong passion.

      She married twice, first to William “Ben” Johnson and together they had three daughters.   They divorced and she later married William P. Rebich.   They too divorced but remained close friends throughout her life.

      Joan is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy and Kevin Thon of Butte, Janelle Lafser of Butte and Dee Dee and Rodney Antis of La Quinta, California.   Grandchildren include: Michael Johnson, Laura and Patrick Sandige, Sean and Cortney Thon, Alyssa Thon, Trenton Antis and Garret Antis.   Her great-grandchildren include: Payton and Morgan (Joan) Johnson, Damon, Ethan and Braiden Thon, Brooklyn Parke and Hayden Sandige.   She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

      The family would like to thank Janeece August, Billie Matule, the care givers at The Springs, Senior Solutions Hospice and Dr. Grace for their kindness to our mother in her last days.   Cremation has taken place.   A celebration of her life will be held Tuesday, Jan. 29, at 1:00 p.m. at Meadowlands, 4034 Elizabeth Warren Avenue, in Butte.   Donations can be made to Parkinson’s research of your choice.   Express condolences at www.wayrynen-richards.com.