JoEllen Grandchamp
JoEllen “JoJo” Jackson Grandchamp, “Corner Stone Woman”, 74, of Oswego died March 12, 2025.
She was born June 14, 1950, in Wolf Point to Joe Jackson and Gladys Standing Jackson. The fourth girl of six, they grew up at Chasuda Isa (Ash Point) working on the ranch, traveling to powwows, during which the whole family danced.
She attended Wolf Point Public School and graduated in 1969, the year the high school burned down and students were bussed to differed churches in Wolf Point to attend class.
She was a champion fancy dancer in her buckskin dress. She was an Oil Discovery Princess and, right out of high school, she was chosen to participate in Miss Indian America Pageant in Sheridan, Wyo.
She attended Northern Montana College in Havre. Eventually, she earned her bachelor’s degree from NAES College, while she worked and helped out at the farm.
She met Dale “Ooge” Grandchamp in 1976. They were married May 14, 1977. Daughter Gladys LaMay “Gigi”was born July 8, 1984.
Some of her many interests including bailing and hauling hay, hunting, working cows and watching all her relatives in sports, particularly basketball. She took pride in her home and community. In her later years, her joy came from her grandchildren.
Her biggest accomplishment was becoming the biggest “Indian-owned” rancher on the reservation. Alongside her husband, they built their place from nothing.
She was a member of many committees including Board of Commissioners for Housing, Tribal Enrollment, Education and the Oswego Community. Some of the many jobs she held were at the Faith Home, Wolf Point Schools, Frazer School, Crisis Center, Recreation Director and Fort Peck Housing. She also spent many years selling Avon.
She is survived by her husband, Dale “Ooge” Grandchamp of Oswego; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Gladys Granchamp Giles; and sisters, Cleo Hamilton, Patricia Stump, Lynn Campbell and Darla Payne.
A wake was held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, at the Oswego Community Hall. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 20, at the Oswego Community Hall. Interment will follow at the Grandchamp Family Cemetery on the ranch. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point was entrusted with the arrangements.
