Jean ‘Joe’ Shay

Jean "Joe" Shay, age 85, of Billings, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, at St. John's United in Billings. Cremation has taken place, and no services are planned at this time. A private family interment will be held at Mountview Cemetery. Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary in Billings is entrusted with arrangements.

Joe was born on May 26, 1935, in Havre, the youngest daughter of William V. and Juanita A. (May) Montee. Joe attended school in Havre, where she graduated with the class of 1954. After high school, Joe married Earl Landry. Joe and Earl were married for 13 years and remained close friends after their divorce. Joe married Richard "Dick" Shay on March 18, 1967. In 1972, they were blessed with a beautiful baby girl, Richelle "Rikkie" Lynn. They resided in Laurel before moving to Billings in 1987.

Joe was a member of Daughters of the Nile, Daughters of the American Revolution and STAR. She was an avid quilter, knitter and needle pointer. Joe owned and operated the "2 Shays Doll Museum" in Laurel and Billings. Doll collecting was her favorite hobby until the time of her death. Joe also loved collecting anything from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Jean was especially fond of Dopey and loved collecting anything associated with him.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Dick; grandson, Harry; her parents, William V. and Juanita A. Montee; siblings Eulalia Montee-Hamilton and Edward Montee; and several nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her daughter, Rikkie (Rick) Jager; grandkids Eullie (Kevin Fonti) Shay, Derek and Nick Blumhagen, and Erica Jager; and special family friend Ryan Doll.

Condolences may be shared with the family at michelottisawyers.com.