Joy Gaddis

Joy passed on June 9th, 2023, after struggling for 4 years following a mystery that left her hospitalized for nearly a year and a very long recovery that left her disabled and compromised. She had hoped to someday be able to white water raft and ski the way she did with the expertise and skill we can only dream of. Her passing came while fighting infections complicated by her four-year struggle. She passed peacefully at Logan Health in Kalispell in the arms of her loving husband Terry who never gave up on her. He cherished and loved her to the ends of the earth.

Joy Kaylene Gaddis began in 1998 as an ER Nurse in Yakima Washington. Then travelled to Homer Alaska as an ER, ICU and OB Nurse. There she was introduced to Aero Medical, leading to a career as a Flight Nurse. Coming to Montana to Kalispell Regional Hospital as an ER/Flight Nurse with Alert. Joy continued her career as a Flight Nurse with KRMC and Airlift Northwest.

To Joy this was not a job, but a calling for the benefit of others. Touching countless lives throughout Montana, Washington, Alaska, Idaho and beyond. Not only to the lives she saved but to all who were blessed to work with her.

Joy was not just a nurse, she was a teacher, a mentor, and a friend to all she knew. She was caring and devoted with a passion that will never be replaced.

Joy grew up in central Washington with devoted parents Larry and Jill Gaddis, and her brother Michael whom she adored. Graduating from Richland High. Her father taught her independence and a keen sense of adventure including white water rafting, camping, and hiking and turning wrenches to the tune of Charlie Daniels. Her Mother was her best friend who taught her to love unconditionally and be the devoted woman and mother she became. She spent summers on the lake in Northern Idaho where she gained more lifelong friends boating and cliff jumping into the waters across from the family cabin.

Joy had life and spirit, and a drive for perfection with the attitude “it will all work out” Joy was loved dearly by so many and admired by countless more. Joy was a free spirit volunteering as medical staff at Burning Man several years in a row.

Her mere presence gave calm and peace, but she could take charge in an instant when direction was essential.

To many Joy was more than a nurse. She was a best friend, a confidant and a leader. She was funny, with a sense of humor, so true of those who have seen the things first responders see. The type of things that would scar us for life. It was the passion for man that kept her going.

Joy leaves behind Calder, 11 and Callie 9 which gave her the strength and will to survive 4 more years after fighting to survive, even after taken off life support. She was a miracle, beating 1 percent odds, driven by the force of love for her children that defied modern medicine. Callie and Calder were her world. Sharing time with their father, her darkest days were when they were away. She was more than a devoted mother. She had a love for them that was supernatural.

She also leaves behind her devoted Husband Terry Butters, who remained by her side, never gave up and advocated for her every step of her medical journey. Terry held her until the very end with the promise to find each other again.

Joy will be missed beyond measure. Not only was she our inspiration of love and devotion, but because of her devotion to others, so many are alive today and have the blessings of love and hope.

Joy, we love you to the ends of the earth. You live on in the hearts of so many. Sleep well our precious Joy, until we all meet again.

A Celebration of Life for Joy will be held Saturday July 22nd at 2pm at Darlington Cremation and Burial Service, 3408 U.S. Hwy 2 E. Kalispell, MT 59901. A livestream will be available at the following link, https://my.gather.app/remember/joy-gaddis. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joy Gaddis, please visit our floral store.