A live stream of the service will be available by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/stevensonandsons ; A video of the service will also be uploaded within 24 hours and be posted below the obituary.
Jane West Twitchell was born June 13, 1931 to Walter and Grayce Twitchell in Jordan, Montana. She was the first of six children – Jane, Joe, Jadee, Jay, Judd, and Jerry.
Jane passed peacefully in her home in Jordan, surrounded by family, on the evening of January 20, 2021 at the age of 89.
Jane went to elementary school at Flat Creek School and high school at Garfield County High School. Jane was the Garfield County Rodeo Queen in 1948. She later attended Eastern Montana College where she got her teaching license. Jane married Sterling Wille on December 17, 1950 and changed her name to Jane Twitchell Wille. Jane drove herself to Fairbanks, Alaska to meet Sterling in 1951, arriving on her birthday. They drove home in a taxicab in the summer of 1952 to have their first child born in Jordan. Jane and Sterling had three children – Karmon, Kalvin, and Kermit. Jane and Sterling built their little log house on the corner of Montana Street and moved their family into the basement in 1954. All three children were raised in this home and Jane lived there for her entire life. The door was always open to family and friends for a visit and a cup of coffee. Jane’s home was always full of conversation and laughter. Jane’s first teaching job was at North Star School. She started teaching at Jordan Elementary in the mid 1950s, where she remained until her retirement. She taught several lower grades and finally found her fit as a Title 1 Reading Specialist. She retired in 1991 after one of her favorite students, Jesse Murnion, graduated 8th grade. Her students loved Mrs. Wille. After their children left home, many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren were welcomed into Jane and Sterling’s house. Later, other high school students from the country found a temporary home at Jane and Sterling’s and were welcomed as part of the extended family. Jane didn’t care how many kids were there or whether she knew them, she would only ask, “How many for breakfast?”
Jane was active in the Jordan VFW Auxiliary and a member of the Council of Aging. Jane and Sterling were recipients of the Outstanding Community Service Award and Jane was also awarded the Senior Citizen of The Year, recognized by the Chamber of Commerce. Jane was always a prominent singing voice at the Lutheran Church. Jane’s faith touched each aspect of her life, and guided her as a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, sister, teacher, and community member. For years, Jane baked birthday cakes for the residents of the nursing home and delivered them. She enjoyed making wedding cakes as well. She baked and decorated hundreds of Santa Claus cookies every year for all the kids she knew, which is a memory cherished by many. Jane had a huge heart and made quilts for every baby and graduate in the community. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have many quilts from Grandmother each made with love. Jane lived her whole life in Jordan as a beloved member of the community and was always recognizable in her little red hats.
Jane is predeceased by her parents Walter and Grayce; husband of 49 years, Sterling; and brothers Jay and Joe. Jane is survived by her siblings Jadee, Judd (Eva), and Jerry (Jo Ryan); sisters-in-law Gayle and Anita; children Karmie (Keith), Kalvin (Virginia), and Kit (Kathy). She is survived by her five grandchildren Walt (Lisa), John (Jana), Wendy (Travis), Hannah (Tuan), and Sophie, and her eight great-grandchildren Shelby, Keon, Tanner, Brynn, Payton, Grayce, Sterling, and Isabelle. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 25, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the VFW Hall in Jordan. Interment will follow in the Pioneer Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to Garfield County Ambulance in Jane’s honor.
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Leah K. Miller says
Oh my heartaches for all of you!! Gramma Jane was a true treasure and will be greatly missed. Prayers of peace and comfort for all of her family!!!
Janet Clark says
Very sorry for your loss, she was a treasure, always happy and busy.
Sandra vinge says
So sorry to hear about Jane. I remember her so well from when Ken and I lived there. You are all in my prayers.
Jennifer Wolff says
I am very sorry for your loss. The first time I met Jane, I was preparing for a VBS craft and needed fabric scraps. She invited me to her house and gave me a huge bag of fabric with a big smile because “now she had room for more.” Our cats abandoned us and went to her house because she had better food. I loved participating with her in women’s Bible study the last few years. She had a lifetime faith in Christ and actively lived it. Now, she is safe in the arms of Jesus with no more pain. She will be missed.
Andeen Raymond says
Oh guys, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. She was such a sweet lady, and her birthday cakes were AWESOME!!! Being such a large part of community, ALL are going to miss her sweet smile and caring ways. May God bless and comfort each of you now and through the days to come, and may your memories of happier times help keep her loving spirit close to your hearts always.
Diane (Rath) Hewett says
Karmie. Kalvin, Kit and all of Jane’s family,
I am so sad to hear of your loss. Jane was so special to all of us Rath neighbors. We were neighbors in Jordan and neighbors at the Lake. ❤ She certainly holds a very special place in my heart. She was 1 in a million. I will never forget her, her Santa cookies that she baked every Christmas, her beautiful smile, her beautiful leading voice in church, or that she loved the color red.
God bless all of you as you mourn the loss of such a beautiful soul,
Love Diane
Irene Lilienthal Trogden says
To all of Jane’s family. I am so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful lady. Always a smile on her face.
Gwen Nelson says
So very sorry for your loss, condolences to you all.
Sandra Barclay says
So sorry to hear of Jane’s passing…she had an infectious smile and a natural twinkle in her eyes…thoughts and prayers and hugs for all of you.
Hazel and Jim says
So sorry for your loss. Jane was a very special lady.
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Condolences and Prayers for all of you She was a very special Lady. Such a busy lady always making sure there was a Birthday cake for each resident at the Health Center She was also one of my teachers at the North Star School She will be remembered for her kindness , big smile ,and sweet voice God Bless each of you
Louise Twitchell says
Sorry to hear about Jane. She was a great lady. She will be missed by many. Thinking of you all
Kelly Childers says
There are so many memories I have of Jane, one of being in her class when she taught third grade. She always made it fun to learn. I have known her all my life and she has been a part of my extended family ,and the Santa cookies she made for the Bollinger boys always made them excited. She was also a gracious lady and an important part of our community, she always had time for a quick chat and was truly happy to see you. She will be missed by all who knew her. Hugs and my love to all of her family.
Cindy Stanton says
Dear Wendy, Karmie, Kit, Kelvin and families,
I am sincerely sorry for your loss n of Jane. What a loss for the entire community.
I fondly remember Jane teaching us kids to dance when I was in grade school. She was WONDERFUL. And many years later, she again showed her generosity by baking, decorating and donating such beautiful birthday cakes to every resident at the nursing home. Such a talented lady and as I said, so very generous to the community. Her lovely smile and twinkley eyes will be missed by all.
May God hold you near during this time of deep sorrow. I know Jane knew her king and was welcomed into the angelic choir when she arrived.
Karen Barnes says
To all of Jane’s family – my deepest sympathy. Let all your good memories help you through this sorrowful time. I have so many memories of coffee with Jane, visits and breakfast at the cabin at the lake with she and Sterling and the Hegg’s, and just visiting with her whenever we met somewhere. She was such a special lady and will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know her’ God Bless you all.
Connie Blonigen says
My condolences to all of Jane’s family. May your many wonderful memories of her bring you comfort during this sad time.
Carol Raschkow says
Karmie, Kal, Kit, and all of Jane’s family, My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you mourn Jane’s passing and celebrate her life.. From my earliest memory, Auntie Jane was always there… I have never known a less judge mental person in my life.. When, I got the news, I pulled my Auntie Jane quilt over me and was lost in a flood of happy memories. She will always be among my most
Treasured memories , and in my heart I know I’ll see her again. I know that while people are gathering here , there is an even bigger reunion in Heaven.. I will never hear one of our old favorite hymns without remembering her beautiful voice singing in church, and from now on they have a new voice leading the choir. In Heaven. I love you all,, Carol Ann
MARTHA CRANDALL says
my sympathy
Carol Raschkow says
Karmie, Kal, Kit, and all of Jane’s family, My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you mourn Jane’s passing and celebrate her life.. From my earliest memory, Auntie Jane was always there… I have never known a less judge mental person in my life.. When, I got the news, I pulled my Auntie Jane quilt over me and was lost in a flood of happy memories. She will always be among my most
Treasured memories , and in my heart I know I’ll see her again. I know that while people are gathering here , there is an even bigger reunion in Heaveni.. I will never hear one of our old favorite hymns without remembering her beautiful voice singing in church, and from now on they have a new voice leading the choir. In Heaven. I love you all,, Carol Ann
Mike and Teddy Landers says
To all of Janes family,
We are so sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of Jane helping us with costumes for the big dry players. She had a closet full of opportunities! She was such a kind and giving lady. We were blessed having known her. Our love and prayers go out to you
Hazel Stabler says
To all of Jane’s family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have good memories of her in High School.
Ken and Joyce Holmlund says
Our condolences to all of Jane’s family. So sorry to hear of her passing. May God be with you all at this time! Jane was a wonderful lady. She was my first employer, I ironed clothes for her and your dad one night a week when I was in high school.
Roxie Saylor says
We where so sorry to hear of Jane’s passing.She was a wonderful lady.Have so many good memories.We always enjoyed the visits and the time we had.My kids always looked forward to the Santa cookies at Christmas.Condolences to Karmie,Calvin,and Kit. Heaven will be a beautiful place with family.
John and Lillian Loomis says
We are sending our love and prayers to all of Jane’s family ! She taught me second grade at the Lone Star School . I think it was just before she got married. She was a great teacher and I have many fond memories of her! She will be greatly missed by all who knew her!
Tom and Claudia Stanton says
Sending Condolences to Karmie, Calvin, Kermit and all of Jane’s Family. Jane was always a big part of our community with Her talent of baking, singing and hospitality. May the fond memories of the past ease the sorrow you are feeling now and May God Be With You All.
Joyce Bateman says
Jane was a strong woman with a heart of gold. She was always taking someone in or giving a kind word in passing. She was a family friend from way back. Her dad gave me my first horse. Jane taught my little sister and she was a true blue friend to my mom, especially after my dad died. Never idle, she helped out whenever and where ever she saw a need. Bless her family in this time of sorrow.
Bob and Marge Moore says
so very sorry to hear of Jane’s passing. She will be greatly missed. You Twitchells have always had a special place in my heart.
Bill and Sandy Jensen says
Our sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Linda Nix and Neil Short says
We loved it when Jane would visit Casper and we’d be swept into Wille family fun. She holds a special place in our hearts and we will miss her immensely.
Marion Peelar says
I am so sorry for your loss. Lance and I worked with Jane for many years and always knew her to be a very nice lady.
Cynthia Gregg says
Sad news to hear of the loss of a town icon. Our thoughts are with the family at this time.
Myron & Mary Beth Kibler says
Sending this with love to everyone in Jane’s family as well as everyone who were honored to be ‘friend’. I remember when I first came to Garfield County some 46 years ago and of course our bubbly Karm took me home to Jane & Sterling’s…they gathered me into that wonderful nest of friendship and I felt like I’d been part of the family forever. Both Jane & Sterling had a way of making you feel special and I have many wonderful memories of their generosity & fun times. Thank you all..you are each an extention of them and that same spirit lives on in you, it honors their memory forever. Of course Myron had the honor of knowing them longer than me.
Rory Paxson says
So sorry to hear of your loss. She was a great lady that I will never forget of my childhood growing up .Your family and her are in our thoughts. The Paxson’s. Rory,Sami,Colter,Livi
Dodie & Neal Paxson says
So sorry to hear of Auntie Jane’s passing! We all called her Auntie Jane but she was much more like a second mother and grandmother to me and my kids! She made all their birthday cakes, came every day to help with the kids, made Santa cookies for hundreds of kids including mine, quilts for many & will never be forgotten. Jane and SJ left their mark on everyone they ever met. They had the remarkable ability to make everyone feel special and everyone was always welcome at the Willies! It is with a very heavy heart I post this but I find peace in the fact that Auntie Jane and Uncle Sterling are now Waltzing Across Heaven! RIP
Patricia Wille says
Our deepest condoleances for all family members.
Jane, thank you for your hospitallity and love, during our visits to Jordan, we felt at home.
The beautifull pictures showed again what a special lady you were, always with a smile!
We are gratefull to have met you,
May you rest in peace,
The Wille family from Holland.
Mireille, Skip, Robert-Jan, Michelle, Mark, Willem and Patricia
Dawn Ferguson says
So very Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Red Langton says
We are thinking of all of you dear friends at the passing of Jane. We were blessed to have had time at Matched Bronc Riding 2020 to visit with Jane. God bless you and wrap His loving arms around you and give you peace.
Red and Daisy Langton
Laurel Blekfeld says
What I know about Jane is she loved her family, her heritage and her hometown of Jordan. I know she was a great mother because she along with Sterling raised three children who grew up to be mighty fine adults. I know, for a fact, that her youngest son, Kit, is one of the greatest guys I’ll ever know because he is my brother in law and is married to my sister Kathleen. Kit has many great qualities which I’m sure many of them can be attributed to Jane. Kit, just like Jane, has a deep love for family, is always up for a good time and a gathering of folk, always up to hear and tell a story, and always there with a helping hand. Just like Jane. I know Jane was a great mother in law because my sister always spoke highly of her. She respected and loved Jane very much. Kath always had a funny story or something kind to say about Jane. Shortly after my oldest niece Hannah was born, Kathleen’s and my grandfather had a stroke and it wasn’t looking like he was going to get better. Kath had really wanted Hannah and our Pop to meet each other but Kath was leery about traveling with a young baby. Jane told her Hannah was going to meet Pop and that she was going to make sure of it! Jane said she would to sit in the passenger seat of my sister’s car holding Hannah while Kath drove from Casper all the way to Chicago! Jane gave up Thanksgiving with the Wille clan that year so Hannah could meet Pop and so my sister’s wish would come true! That meant the world to my sister and all of our family. Jane celebrated Thanksgiving with our family that year and she was thrilled when we drove her to downtown Chicago to see the Christmas lights on Michigan Avenue and she smiled from ear to ear when we took her into FAO Schwarz! I also know Jane was a great grandmother from the way my nieces, Hannah and Sophie, would speak of her. Hannah would talk about her summers visiting Grandmother where they would bake pies, work on projects, watch banjo playing, irish singing and polka music on TV, and go visiting people around Jordan. Grandmother and Jordan will always hold a special place in her granddaughters’ hearts. And, lastly, I know from all the stories I’ve heard over the past 30 years and everything I’ve read online these past few days that Jane was a pillar of her community, a rock steady neighbor and contributor, always there to support, lend a helping hand and to welcome everyone with open arms and that sweet smile of hers. Since last spring, I wrote Jane fairly often. My writings were always light hearted, snippets of my life in southern Florida and I just wanted her to know I was thinking about her. But now I wish I would have thanked her for raising a great son and for being a special mother in law to my sister and a dear grandmother to my nieces. I know I kept repeating the word great when describing Jane but it was because she was indeed a woman of greatness. My sincere heartfelt sympathy to Kit, Kath, Hannah and Sophie, to Kalvin and Virginia, to Karmie and her family and to the town of Jordan.
Darryl and sonja Turner says
Thinking of all of Jane’s family as you say goodbye to a wonderful lady
She will be missed by all..
Barb Harbaugh Morgan says
Karmie, Kalvin and Kit all the Lockie, Wille and Twitchell families:
So sorry. Your Mom was a significant part of every grade school child’s past. Mrs. Wille taught vacation bible school, Sunday school and grade school. She is in all of our memories and you are all in our thoughts and prayers. A beautiful woman who will be greatly missed.
Gayle Gibson McEwen says
Mrs. Willie will always make the list when I tally my most unforgettable teachers. I can’t imagine what it was like for her to take a seriously undèsocialized 2nd grader and bring me out of my shell into actively participating in class but she took on that mission with a vengeance. She made me feel special every single day. It was the only year I attended school in Jordan and as an adult I had few opportunities to return to Jordan, however, when my brother Nevin Gibson passed away I was able to tell her at his service the impact shed had on me. As a child i thought she was beautiful and kind and at this moment i still do as i read about her life and get lost in my recall. She led a very significant life. I am saddened by her loss but rejoice in the blessing of her memory.
ken&agned drane says
So sorry for your loss she was a great lady you are in our prayers
Brenda Ware Brockett says
So sorry to hear about Jane’s passing. My condolences to her family & friends.