Judith “Judi” Charbonneau, 70, formerly of Hays, died Sunday, April 25, 2021, at Benefis Peace Hospice in Great Falls, Montana.
She was born August 22, 1950, in Hays, the daughter of Teresa Bernice (Thyfault) and Jerome Valentine Benoit. In 1968, she graduated from Palco High School as valedictorian of her class. On May 6, 1989, she was united in marriage to James A. “Jim” Charbonneau at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Damar, and they celebrated 28 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on March 15, 2018. While in Hays, she was a member of St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church. She enjoyed riding horses, going to church, spending time with people, and having visitors at her home. Judi liked to keep her mind sharp by listening to audio books, and writing was a huge part of her life as it was a beautiful means of communication for her.
Survivors include a son: Carey Wise of Olathe, a daughter: Lanell Bailey and husband Steve of Great Falls, MT, a brother: Steve Benoit and wife Sherri of Blaire, NE, three sisters: Marilyn Skolaut and husband Marvin of Olmitz, Lydia Neu and husband Bob of Lawrence, and Thelma Berland and husband Tim of Damar, a sister-in-law: Mary Benoit of Damar, three grandchildren: Daylon Ingalls and husband Andrew, Logan Hertel, and Cole Wise, three great grandchildren: Elijah, Adalynn, and Silas Ingalls, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband: Jim, and a brother: John Benoit.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Damar with Fr. Henry Saw Lone officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Damar. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Monday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, Hays and from 9:00 am until service time on Tuesday at the church, Damar. A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Cemetery, Damar. Condolences and memories of Judi may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com