Jan Alexander was born, Janice Lenora Pippin, to Clarence and Marian Pippin in Saco, Montana on October 17, 1936.
Raised in the country with three younger brothers: Howard, Larry, and David, she could hold her own on the ranch and was particularly fond of sheep and HORSES! To this day, the ranch is where she wants to be laid to rest.
She graduated from Saco High School and promptly moved to Glasgow where she began her lifelong career as a professional secretary. There she met Ken Alexander, and they were soon married in the summer of ’56. Their love of horses and each other kept them together for 46 years.
Ken’s profession led them to Lewistown where Ken ran the Daily News Argus and Jan settled in as secretary for the SCS office. Between all their friendships and weekend horse events they thought their lives were full, but not yet. In the fall of ’68, a son, PK, was welcomed into the fold.
In 1978, Ken and Jan purchased a small newspaper publishing company located in Miles City that they renamed Sagebrush Publications. Except for a two-year stint in Powell, Wyoming, Miles City remained Jan’s home to the end. She always said while in Wyoming that she missed too many of her friends she had back in Miles City.
Eventually the business was sold, and a new adventure was born. Jan became a real estate agent and was very proud of that endeavor. She thought owning a house was important and she liked helping first time buyers make that special purchase. This also kept her abreast of the community and enabled her to hold several public seats. She retired from Security Abstract and Title, only to get busy living, laughing, and loving.
Jan was active in several clubs from Jaycees to Soroptimist to Sage Riders. She started several horse clubs, formed a few book clubs, and belonged to every bridge group that would have her.
Jan loved to sew and would make her own clothes. She even won the Make-It-With-Wool contest one year.
In 2008, Jan and Wayne Morford began socializing and formed a bond that never wavered. They loved to travel and attend grandkid ballgames. All in all, one was rarely seen without the other.
Jan is survived by her only son Paul (PK) Alexander; granddaughter Jaide Alexander; brother Howard (Carol) Pippin, Dave (Marie) Pippin, Bev Pippin; and several nieces and nephews.
Jan was preceded in death by her husband Ken Alexander; parents Clarence and Marian Pippin; brother Larry Pippin; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins that saddened her heart.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jan’s name to the Sage Riders, c/o Debra Ferrin, 218 S. Merriam, Miles City, MT 59301.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, May 3, 2024, at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. A luncheon will be held following the memorial service at Valley Community Church, 1004 N. Sewell, Miles City.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:30 p.m.
Friday May 3, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Immediately following the Memorial Service
Friday May 3, 2024
Valley Community Church
1004 N. Sewell Avenue
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:30 p.m.
Friday May 3, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Immediately following the Memorial Service
Friday May 3, 2024
Valley Community Church
1004 N. Sewell Avenue
Miles City, MT 59301
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Jan cornutt says
I was so sad to hear about your mother, she was the sun shine of the day
James Arneson says
PK, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. After seeing you guys in the gas station Saturday morning and saying hello. I send my deepest condolences to you and your family. May God bless you with the best of memories now and always.
Jim and Annalise Willson says
We are so sorry to hear about Jan. She was always so cheerful when we would see her. Jan was a good friend and we really enjoyed a visit with her anytime. REST IN PEACE JAN!!!
Jim and Annalise Willson
Marj Bolejack Anderson says
PK
Sorry at the loss of your mother. Seems as though I’ve known her forever and she always was good for a smile and a hello. Heaven has gained a wonderful lady. God bless
Dannette Cremer says
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom, PK. Whenever I would see her and Wayne at MCC BB games, I made a point to go visit with them. I also loved getting together with her and the other ladies from W A Mitchell Company to catch up on the latest. She will be greatly missed. My sincere sympathy
Destiny Carlson says
Sending condolences and prayers for you. Your mom was a genuine lady and had a heart of gold. May she rest in peace.
Stabler Hazel says
I am so sorry for your loss. Jan was such a good friend. I will miss our Friday lunch dates and card games. I pray for peace and comfort for her family.
Ellen Hart says
PK: I am so very sorry for the loss of your Mom. She handled the purchase of our home many years ago. Always so friendly!
Janet B Klein says
PK…your mom was one classy woman! She was beautiful inside and out. My condolences to you and know that memories will sustain you through your mourning. I remember her wonderful sewing and the gorgeous garments she made. May she rest in peace.
Janet Klein
Jackie Stroh says
So sad to hear about this! Jan was a wonderful Lady and will be missed by many! Condolences PK and Wayne!
Alane Stabler says
PK
Jan was such a wonderful woman. She was always helping others and always a joy to be around!! Prayers for you and all that had the pleasure of knowing her and called her a friend. We will sure miss her at our Sage Riders gatherings!!
Linda Anderson says
So very sorry for your loss PK and family. Jan was a wonderful friend, had so many fun times with her and Wayne. Jan never seemed to get in a hurry but always kept busy. She seemed to glide through life! Beautiful lady. Beautiful smile. Classy!
MARTHA J CRANDALL says
My sympathy. Jan will be missed.
Nancy Fillafer says
My sympathy for Jan & family
She was a wonderful seamstress. She worked at the MC Laundry & Dry Cleaners when I worked there. May you rest in peace now with the angles.
God bless you Jan
Bruce & Amanda Johnson says
We met Wayne and Jan when we stayed above their condo in Arizona. We were lucky to be neighbors to them for a couple of years. We thoroughly enjoyed their company and remember them very fondly. I remember Jan’s quick witt and how easy she was to visit with. She was fun, spry, and intelligent. I kept her business card in my wallet for many years and would pause and smile at her picture every so often while cleaning my wallet out. We missed Jan and Wayne when they stopped coming to AZ. I was so very sorry to hear of Jan’s passing. Prayers to her entire family and anyone lucky enough to know her.
annette schwan says
Prayers and peace to you and your family, PK. Sorry for your loss.
Julie and Butch Krutzfeldt says
Jan was a wonderful lady. She worked with Butch as a paralegal and was the best ever! We both enjoyed her as a close friend. Our deepest sympathy to her family and friends. We will.miss Jan.
Cindy Erickson says
Jan was one of the first people that I met when I moved to MC in 1990. Over the years, she never forgot my name and always – always – had a hello for me when we ran into each other. As now Director for RSVP, I signed Jan up to be a volunteer in June of last year. I again enjoyed visiting with her as she signed up to volunteer at the soup kitchen, where she put in hours each month since that time. I will truly miss seeing her! What a lovely lady! Sending my sympathy to her entire family!!
Mary Ottoy says
My heartfelt condolences to Jan’s family. Jan was a classy and beautiful lady. Hugs and prayers to you all!
Dennis and Jane Pluhar says
We met Jan and Wayne( my 4H leader 60 years ago @ Jordan) @ Springfest few years back….what a classy lady who was as beautiful inside as out….she tried to teach me how to play bridge…our condolences to her family and Wayne!
Cathy Ullrich says
Dear PK,
Jan saw me through my darkest nights and gave me sunshine when there was no sun to see. She was my 1st cousin, my friend and my confidant. I loved her so, so much. I know she is home and free of all pain that happens in this world, but my heart will always be broken that she isn’t just a phone call away. I hope that one day we will meet. I think that would please your mom too. We have a spare bedroom, and you will always be welcomed.
Jessie Leidholt says
Dear PK and Jan’s extended family, I am so sorry to learn of your loss of dear Jan. Jan was an elegant lady and was so much fun to play cards with and was a tough opponent. She will be so missed.
Rhonda Sanford says
I am So sorry to hear of Jan’s passing! What a neat Lady!! I have missed our visits at Mcd’s whenever she brought Wayne in! So full of Life and always smiling!! RIP Sweet Lady! You will be missed.
Mary Ann Murray says
So sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed Jan. She had a beautiful smile. Very classy lady.
Joseph Jerrel says
Sorry for your loss PK.
PK Alexander says
Thanks EVERYONE for your beautiful thoughts and well wishes. Mom loved you all.
Jan Munroe says
P.K. I am so sorry for your loss and hope you continue to heal.
Deb Bartholomew and Family says
PK and Extended Families
So very sorry for the loss of your Mom Jan. God has gained a Beautiful Lady and an Angel. She was truly an amazing Lady with a huge heart of gold and great smile. She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. Jan will always be a Treasure in your hearts and not forgotten. Treasure and Cherish all your memories as they will help you thru difficult days. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
SHAWNA JERREL ROTHAUS says
I am deeply saddened to hear of Jan’s passing. She was such a delightful woman, and a wonderful friend to both of my parents. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Justine & Hal Gierke says
P.K. ,Jaide and extended family,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. And will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless.
Tom and Kristi Plant says
We are so saddened at the loss of such a wonderful woman. She was always such a joy to be around and visit with! Prayers for you and everyone whose lives she touched.
Karen Taylor says
PK, l enjoyed serving with your mom at the soup kitchen 😁, what a special person. Hold your memories tightly and take care. Karen Taylor
D'Ann Witcher says
PK and family, I was devastated when I heard of your mother’s passing.
She was a very dear friend for many years . We had so many great times together and charished each other’s friendship . I’ll always remembro how your mother’s eyes lit up when she saw you . Her smile would warm your heart. She was a classy and beautiful woman inside and out .
My sincere condolences . Please know that she will be missed by many for years to come.
Jim Altenhofen says
PK, your mom was a lovely, wonderful woman
Jim Altenhofen
Lowell and Gerri Davis says
We enjoyed your mom to no end. Didn’t get to see her often but we sure kept the phone line hot. What a beautiful lady. Keeping you in our prayers. Remember the good times God Bless you and your family’s.
Karole Davis says
Bless you Jan for always making my Uncle Wayne smile. He always had a twinkle in his his eye when you walked in. You will be missed so much.
Terri & Heath Nation says
PK, We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Larry Pippen says
PK I am sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. I stayed informed about your family through your uncle Larry until he passed. It has been several years since I was in Saco and got to meet with Larry, Howard and Marian, their mother.
Jane Alexander McMullen says
I had no idea!! I hadn’t heard from Jan and I began to worry. She was a wonderful light in my life and I will always miss both her and my cousin, Ken!
Thinking of all her loved ones.
Jane Alexander McMullen