Joan Marie Cater

Joan Marie Cater, 75, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Billings, Montana, following a short illness. Surrounded by the love of her family and strengthened by her deep Catholic faith, Joan has gone home to be with her Lord and Savior, where she is reunited with those who have gone before her.

Joan was born on August 20, 1950, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, to Stephen Bors, Sr. and Veronica Bors. She moved with her family to Temple Terrace, FL at the age of 7 and graduated from Brewster Vocational High School.

On November 6, 1971, Joan married the love of her life, Sherwin Deland “Buddy” Cater. Together they built a marriage rooted in faith, love, hard work, and unwavering devotion to one another. For more than five decades, they created a home where family was cherished, laughter was abundant, and everyone was welcomed with open arms. She and Buddy lived in Riverview, FL until they moved to South Dakota in 1975 and then to Wyoming in 1981. She worked alongside Buddy on the ranches they lived on north of Gillette, at Campbell County School District as a classroom aide, and at Thunder Basin Ford for the past 29 years.

Above all else, Joan was a devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. Nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with her family. She faithfully supported every milestone, sporting event, activity, and accomplishment of her beloved grandchildren, LaKacee and J. J. whose lives were forever enriched by her unconditional love, encouragement, and presence.

Joan is lovingly remembered by her husband, Buddy Cater; her daughters, Kristi Lynn Lipp (Phil) and Rebecca Lynn Cater-Weight (Chris); and her treasured grandchildren, LaKacee Lynn Lipp and Jerome James “J.J.” Lipp.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Stephen Bors, Sr. and Veronica Bors; her brother, Stephen Bors, Jr.; and her parents-in-law, Jesse and Willie Stringer.

A faithful servant of God, Joan was an active member of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. She generously gave of her time as a religious education teacher, Eucharistic Minister, and member of the church’s sound ministry. She was also a dedicated supporter of the Knights of Columbus, quietly serving her parish and community with humility, generosity, and a joyful spirit.

Joan found happiness in life’s simple blessings. She loved sewing thoughtful gifts, baking for those she loved, tending her garden, and working alongside Buddy on the ranch. Whether she was fixing fence, helping with branding, or spending long days outdoors, Joan embraced hard work with determination and grace.

To know Joan was to love her. She never met a stranger and possessed a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome, valued, and cared for. Her kindness, warm smile, generous heart, and steadfast faith touched countless lives. She was the kind of person who naturally put others before herself, offering encouragement, compassion, and love without hesitation.

A Rosary will be prayed at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. Graveside services will immediately follow at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Joan’s memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or the charity of your choice.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your master.” — Matthew 25:23