Joi Gratny, 68

Joi Gratny — known to her family and many in the community as joyful Joi — passed away on April 18, 2026. Born in Canton, Ohio, in 1957, Joi lived a spirited life defined by her namesake: a deep, resilient, and contagious joy. She finally slowed down to get a CT scan and died of metastatic cancer eight days later.

Joi was a woman of profound faith and action. She didn’t just study her values; she wore them out in the world. Her life was a beautiful, living illustration of the parable of the lost sheep — she was always willing to leave the ninety-nine to find the "one" who was hurting, lonely or overlooked. She was constantly networking, bringing women together, whether at church, with friends, or through helping.

This radical inclusivity meant she truly had no enemies; she was incredibly welcoming and possessed a genuine curiosity that allowed her to connect with anyone, anywhere. Some common phrases she lived by were: "Light Belongs in Darkness" and "Everyone is worthy of love and support" — she was a champion for the needy. One thing that was special about her was that she crossed lines very easily. It didn't matter if you were a Democrat, a Republican, a Satanist, a pagan, or a Christian. She was always happy. She would travel hundreds of miles to visit someone, be with someone, or go to a pre-release center or a prostitute center. She would travel hundreds, sometimes thousands, of miles to support a cause that helps people. She frequently attended pagan fairs and set up dream-interpretation booths. She wasn't out there to pick a fight. She was out there to find friends. But she was an activist. 

She always had miracles, little miracles following her around everywhere she went. She did not enjoy expensive things. She was so simple. She liked listening to people and learning what they were up to. She had a non-threatening personality.

She was not gifted in sports, business, or academics, but she was very accomplished at connecting with people's hearts, helping them redirect their lives and find hope. One of her favorite phrases was to be a friend of sinners and to let light shine in the darkness.

Her service to others was tireless. Joi was a fixture in her community, volunteering with the local election board, the county jail, the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce, Flash Point, Local Politics, knocking doors all over town, ProLife Montana, Flathead County Republican Women Chaplain, Americans for Prosperity and local political campaigns. She served with distinction on the Board of Directors of the Agency of Aging Citizens.

When she wasn't serving her community, Joi was often found in her garden. She had a passion for growing vegetables, eating healthy and finding the best ways to maintain purity in the food chain, as well as a deep love for writing and for finding beauty in the growth of both plants and ideas. She was also a legendary "smart shopper." Joi was arguably the most frugal person one could meet, taking immense pride in securing the best deals — a trait her family remembers with a fond smile.

Joi’s greatest devotion was to her family. She is survived by and was the beloved wife of Geof Gratny and the strong, supportive mother of Tim Gratny (married to Lauren) and Chris Gratigny (married to Melissa), who blessed her with four cherished granddaughters: Mirabelle, Colette, Amelie and Adeline. She is also survived by her brother, Rich Motts, of Canton, Ohio.

To know Joi was to be supported, understood, and reminded of one’s worth. She leaves us with the simple, powerful truth she shared with so many: "Jesus loves you."

There will be a memorial and celebration of life at Family Life Christian Church on Saturday, May 23. Details about the memorial, including a place to post stories and pictures, can be found on the website everloved.com.

Please email your stories about how Joi affected, influenced and supported you to the memories tab. Please consider RSVPing through the same website: everloved.com/.

    Joi Gratny