Jolita Mcdaniel

Our beloved Jolita McDaniel, 83, of Lewistown, quietly passed on to heaven early Friday afternoon, January 4, 2019, at the Central Montana Medical Center in Lewistown, Montana. She endured multiple health issues for years with grace and faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She touched so many with her kindness and compassion even as she was in the midst of her own challenges.

Being the second daughter of three, Jolita Bryan Penn was born January 16, 1935, in Noland, Arkansas, to Bryan and Ann (Sullivan) Penn. Soon, the family moved to California, making Fullerton their home. She graduated from Fullerton Union High, class of 1952. A Sunday night church service is where she met "My Prince", her husband of 54 years, Bill McDaniel. Married in 1955, they had two daughters and one son. Family would always be number one, first priority. Staying in touch and loving her friends was her joy.

In 1962, Bill's job would bring the family to Lompoc, California. This would be home, a quiet coastal community, for the next 53 years. She worked as a medical assistant for 23 years. She then worked as a personal secretary at the Martha Negus Orthopedic Center until her disability retirement.

In 2016, six years after her husband's passing, she made an adventurous move to Lewistown, Montana, to be near her daughter and son-in-law. She came to appreciate her new landscape, especially with her artist's eye. Many new friendships were made as well, which meant so much to her.

Jolita was a life-long member of the Church of Christ, dedicating her life at the early age of 12. She served in many ways: she taught Sunday School, worked Vacation Bible School, created beautiful decorations for church functions, hosted woman's Bible study, and was always involved in prayer ministry. Most recently, she felt inspired to write and self-publish her second book Angels Around You, desiring to bring encouragement and hope.

Jolita had multiple creative talents. Oil painting was her favorite, especially portraiture. Her gift of writing and love of literature resulted in her authoring four books, an annual Christmas letter and much more. She crafted beautiful knitted pieces for family and friends, receiving blue ribbons for her recent fair entries. Music was a passion. Her beautiful voice soared with a cappella harmonic songs, especially hymns. She played piano and, in her youth, harp and violin.

Jolita is survived by three children: Malia M. (Steve) Mosby of Lewistown, MT; Melanie McDaniel of Lompoc, CA; Mitchell R. McDaniel of Denair, CA; four grandsons: Evan M. Mosby of Yucaipa, CA; Shea M. (Michelle) Mosby of Los Alamos, NM; Joshua H. Forster of Lompoc, CA; Matthew R. McDaniel of San Diego, CA; two great grandchildren: Oliver P. Mosby, Emma M. Mosby; numerous dearly loved relatives.

She was preceded in death by: her husband Billy Ray McDaniel of Lompoc, CA; father Jennings Bryan Penn of Paradise, CA; mother Anna Frances (Sullivan) Penn of Lompoc, CA; also, many cherished relatives.

A private interment is planned for a later date. At her request cremation has taken place. Cloyd Funeral Home is assisting the family.

A memorial donation of Jolita's book can be made by contacting LaVonne Jurack at springcreekpress@gmail.com or (406) 868-2367. Jolita had just started this outreach to touch those in jails, homeless shelters, police stations, and more. As she said, "Join me in sending a reminder of Christ's love." Or, donations can be made to the Lewistown Church Of Christ, Lewistown, MT. Condolences can be posted at www.cloydfuneralhome.com.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Cathy Holmes and staff at the Family Wellness Center, as well as, the very caring staff at CMMC,

the ER, and the Home Health staff "angel" caregivers that helped take care of Jolita.