Johnette Whittaker Grefe died Nov. 7, 2024, in Billings Clinic Hospital. She was the eldest daughter of George and Hazel Wolter Whittaker and was born Aug. 18, 1938. She graduated as salutatorian from Plentywood High School in 1956 and then attended nursing school for a time in Minot, N.D. She met and married farmer John William Grefe in Plentywood Lutheran Church on March 15, 1958. They lived on the Grefe farm west of Reserve, raising three children, chickens, cattle and crops. She was an accomplished seamstress, sewing most of the family’s clothing, including special outfits for Easter and Christmas and even a suit for John. She would pack her trusty Bernina to Plentywood’s hospital and nursing home every few months to do their mending. Involved with Faith Lutheran Church of Wanso, she played piano and organ. She also provided piano lessons to her three children, neighbor children and some adults as well. She taught Sunday school, helped clean the church, readied food for potlucks, attended and hosted Ladies' Aid meetings. In the early 1980s, she was coaxed into providing pulpit supply for surrounding congregations. She also took on teaching confirmation classes for the Plentywood Lutheran parish. In 1990, she started training to be a deaconess and, in 1994, obtained a certificate in a pastoral assistants’ program. Attending classes, ministering to others, preparing sermons, filling pulpits and much reading, writing and study filled her days. The last 20+ years were spent as the pastor of Medicine Lake Lutheran Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; daughter, Pamela Kay Grefe; and two infant children. She is survived by her children, Cindy Andersen, David Grefe and Paula Miller; five grandchildren; and sisters, Linda Nelson and Julie Lee. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be conducted at the Medicine Lake Lutheran Church in the summer of 2026.