Iona Darlene Novakovitch Lindquist

MISSOULA ~ Iona Darlene Novakovitch Rodriguez Lindquist, 74, of Missoula, passed away at home on Wednesday, September 27, 2023.

She was born on August 16, 1949 in Missoula to John and Elma (Ulrich) Novakovitch.  She ended up dropping out of high school to help her mother raise her three younger siblings, but later went back to high school to graduate from Hellgate High School.

Iona married Frank Manuel Rodriguez and had two sons, Wayne and Frank, Jr.  She later married William Clyde Lindquist.

She taught Sunday School at Glad Tidings Church in Missoula for many years.

Iona enjoyed baking, crocheting and had numerous other hobbies.  She also enjoyed watching many older western movies.

Preceding her in death are her mother, Elma; father, John Novakovitch; stepfather, Glen Bowen; one sister, Gloria Smorkel and three brothers, Gary Novakovitch, David Novakovitch and Tom Novakovitch.

Iona is survived by two sons, Wayne (Jasmine) Giffin-Rodriguez and Frank Rodriguez, Jr., both of Missoula; seven grandchildren, Zane, Kaleb, Treycen, Kaige, Isabella, Ciaira, Paytyn; numerous great-grandchildren; five sisters, Linda Walters of Missoula, Sandy Meadche of Stevensville, Mary (Joe) Bilski of Seattle, Washington, Janice (Clayton) Lyle of Missoula, Laura (Dan) Poff of Whitehall; three brothers, Larry Novakovitch of Arizona, Joe Novakovitch, Ron Novakovitch, both of Missoula and many nieces and nephews.

Her funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, November 3, 2023 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home in Missoula.  Pastor Breann Christenson will officiate.  Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens followed by a celebration of Iona’s life at the Villagio Community Room, 1140 Otis Street in Missoula.

Arrangements are under the care of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home in Missoula.