MISSOULA - In the early morning hours of July 2, 2008, our Jill, 51, passed away quietly and peacefully at her home, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Jill was born in Bowman, N.D., July 21, 1956, to Raymond and Sheila Erickson. She was the second of three children. Soon after Jill was born, the family moved to Missoula. Jill attended Willard, Cold Springs, Meadow Hill and Sentinel High School. She graduated from Sentinel in 1974.

After graduation, Jill moved to California with her brother Dennis. She enjoyed many fun-filled days in the sun with Dennis while attending classes and pursuing a career in finance.

While she hated to leave her new found friends, her heart belonged in Missoula. After moving back to Missoula, Jill began working for Betty Jo and Dale Johnson at Dale's Dairy. The Johnsons became a second family to Jill. After 20 years of employment at the dairy, she became a great friend to many in the Target Range community. Numerous friends and neighbors will miss her loving smile and kindness.

In 1994, Jill married Raye Burkhart. The couple made their home in the Target Range area. Together they enjoyed golfing, bowling, trips to Flathead Lake, vacations to Hawaii, and most of all cheering on rivaling NFL football teams. Of course, according to Jill, there is no better team than the Oakland Raiders.

Jill was diagnosed with cancer in October 2007, but it didn't slow her down. She always lived each day to the fullest. Jill continued to travel, volunteer at Dale's Dairy, and to spend her days with the ones she loved. Despite failing health, she still put others before herself and proudly attended her niece's wedding in April.

Jill was preceded in death by maternal and paternal grandparents.

She is survived by her husband Raye; her parents Ray and Sheila Erickson of Missoula; her sister Rhonda Tabish of Missoula; her brother Dennis Erickson of San Francisco; her niece, Lindsay Hartwell and husband Brandon of Missoula; and her nephew Tyler Tabish of Bozeman. Jill is also survived by her sister-in-law, Willa Waters and husband Doug; and nephew and niece, Jeff and Erika Waters, all of Missoula. She also leaves many dear aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the wonderful staff of Hospice of Missoula and Dr. Kathy Markette of St. Patrick Hospital for taking such wonderful care of our Jill during her battle with cancer. The family suggests memorials be made to Hospice of Missoula.

A celebration of Jill's life will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 8, at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home in Missoula. Pallbearers will be Tyler Tabish, Brandon Hartwell, Jeff Waters, Roger Ingersoll, John Kruger, and Brian Wardner. A reception will immediately follow the service allowing friends and family to rejoice in the many wonderful memories of Jill. A private family interment will be held at Sunset Memorial following the reception.

Heaven has become much sweeter with the arrival of our little "Dilly Bean". We will forever miss you and carry you in our hearts always.

http://www.tributes.com/obituary/show/Jill-Burkhart-90929621