Jacqueline R. (Joseph) Zito

BILLINGS - Jacqueline R. (Joseph) Zito, 67, of Billings passed away at her home Thursday, March 28, 2013 from breast cancer. Jacci was born Oct. 7th, 1944, in Hamilton, Montana, the daughter of Jack and Elizabeth Zito.

Jacci was raised in the Bitterroot and graduated from Corvallis High School in 1962. Following high school, Jacci graduated from Modern Beauty School in Missoula and began working for the Henhause Salon in downtown Missoula. She married Gary Joseph in 1965 and later moved back to Hamilton. Together they opened Joseph's Pizza, and later became owners of the local Dairy Gold milk route. Jacci continued to work as a hairdresser in Hamilton until she moved to Billings in 1996. She also very involved with the local 4-H organization and was able to share her love of horses and other animals with the valley youth.

Jacci lived a full life as a sister, wife, mother and grandmother. She was an optimistic woman who was able to see beauty in everyone around her. She spent the majority of her life working with animals and providing necessary shelter, food, etc. for local animal rescue foundations. She was a loyal employee of Eagle Tattoo in Billings where she made many life-long friends.

Jacci was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Betty Zito; her son, Andrew Raymond Joseph and her ex-husband, Gary Joseph. She is survived by her brothers Darwin and Bryan Zito; three children, Gina Wilson of Hamilton, Jodi and husband, Trent Bice of Moscow, ID, and Sarkius (Pete) and wife, Nicolle Joseph of Fresno, CA; stepson Jamie Schmitt; grandchildren, Beau, Mikhala, Taylor, Kolten, Kade, Bailey, Samuel, Teagan, Trey, and Styles.

Pallbearers are: Darwin Zito, Jacob Zito, Jamie Schmitt, Kolten Wilson, Beau Nordberg and Kade Bice.

The family suggests that memorials be made to either the Daly Mansion, PO Box 223, Hamilton, MT 59840 or The Hamilton Players, 100 Ricketts Rd., Hamilton MT 59840.