Joylene Marie Coldiron

Joylene “Joy” Marie Coldiron (Yates), age 57, passed away in Butte, MT, on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, peacefully at home surrounded by family. She had a name that truly suited her and an incredibly infectious laugh that came to her so easily. She was born to Kenneth “Ken” and Sharon “Sherry” Yates (Niva) on Sunday, September 1, 1968, in Mountain Home, ID. She spent her early years in Victorville, CA, on The George Air Force Base where her father would later retire as a Master Seargent and a flight instructor when she was nine years old. Her family relocated to Opportunity, MT, where she later graduated from Anaconda High School in 1986. During these years, she was often found horse riding at her parents’ property. In her senior year, she married her high school sweetheart, Brian Coldiron, before he enlisted in the U.S. Army Infantry. They were stationed in Fort Polk, LA, when they welcomed their first child, Kenneth “Kenny”, in 1988. They returned to Butte in 1989 and welcomed their second child, Ashley, in 1990. In 1994, Joy began her 31-year career with the Butte United States Postal Service, where her father also worked. She and him shared a close and unbreakable bond, doing everything together; working, traveling, bowling, buying their first cell phones together, and spending countless weekends cheering on The Montana Grizzlies football team. Inspired by him, she earned her private pilot’s license, and the two avidly flew together. She later became a volunteer pilot as The District 13 Search Coordinator for the local Butte area. Her community support didn’t stop there; she always participated in the post office food drives, often treating it like a competition where she would volunteer her family to help with the charity event. Every Fourth of July, she and her husband hosted a BBQ where everyone was welcome to stop by. She never missed sending a Christmas card to all she cared for. She really had a way of bringing people together. Her favorite pastime was being a grandma to three grandchildren. She enjoyed lake days, camping, and all types of skiing – water, jet, and downhill. For several years, she also owned and managed several rental properties. She had a love for games, magic, and mysteries — from Harry Potter to The Goonies to exploring the paranormal, she approached life with curiosity and humor. She played in several leagues – bowling, billiards, and darts. One of her most meaningful memories was traveling with her parents and husband to Amsterdam and Holland, fulfilling her father’s lifelong dream. She retired from The Post Office in May 2025 leaving behind countless friends and many fond memories. Just a few months later, she was diagnosed with aggressive lung cancer, which she faced bravely until the end with the support of her husband and daughter. She is survived by her husband, Brian Coldiron; children, Ashley Crowe (Tristan) and Kenneth Coldiron (Jessyca); grandchildren, Inanna Foster, Gunnar Coldiron, and Timothy Coldiron; mother, Sharon Yates; sister, Julie Mayson (Kirt); nieces, Rachel Rotolo (Brian) and Chelsey Williams (Corey); and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. She leaves behind one pet; Aeva. She was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Yates, several aunts, uncles, grandparents, and pets, including cats, dogs, horses, snakes, rabbits, and chickens. Special thanks to everyone at the Butte Post Office and those who supported the GoFundMe, Meal Train, personal gifts and encouraging words. It truly shows how many lives Joy touched! Memorial services will be conducted Monday, December 8, 2025 at 11 am in Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home with Pastor Sarah Schilcher officiating. Entombment will take place at Mountain View Cemetery with reception to follow in Wayrynen-Richards Community Center.

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Joylene Marie Coldiron

September 1, 1968 - November 26, 2025