Janet Dancer Walsh, of Red Lodge, Montana passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 surrounded by her loving family. Janet was born on May 29th,1952 in Havre, Montana to Alice and Allan Dancer. While growing up, Janet attended schools in Malta, Montana. She later met and married Bud Walsh of Zortman, Montana. They had been married for 31 years and had two boys together, Justin and Brad. Janet loved living on the ranch that is settled at the base of the Little Rockies. She loved handling ranch work, keeping her garden and doing yard work in the summer time. Janet decided to pursue a career in Education while raising her family at the same time. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Great Falls. She then taught at the Hays/Lodgepole school district for nearly 25 years. It was also during this time, that Janet earned two Master’s Degree’s. The first was a Master’s of Education, and the second was a Master’s in Guidance and Counseling. She had committed her life to teaching and helping students of all ages and abilities succeed in life. Janet loved nothing more than to see the the accomplishments of her former students.
Janet loved her boys more than anything else in the world. She fully supported all of their activities which included being their biggest fans during wrestling, football and 4-H. She was extremely proud of the men that they had become later in life. She was always supportive of her family during good times and bad.
Later in life, Janet and Bud divorced and Janet moved to Nagoya, Japan to teach for a year there. She loved learning about new cultures, languages and customs. Living overseas, created a desire to see more of the world. She had been to Thailand, China, Tibet, Hawaii, and Europe. She also found a love for fly fishing with her current husband, David Nortman They traveled every summer to Helena and to the North Fork area to fish with their fishing friends. She could out fish anybody!
After teaching in Japan, she came back to Montana and became a Guidance Counselor at Red Lodge High School. She had been there for 14 years. Janet loved the life she lived with Dave in Red Lodge. They spend so much time in the mountains and on the water together. Janet also loved collecting antiques. Christmas ornaments and lady compact’s were a couple of her favorite things to collect. She had recently started refinishing antique furniture as well. We are quite sure that there is not an antique shop that she has not been to!
Janet’s true love in life were her grandchildren: Kennedy Walsh, Collins Walsh, Shantel Keith and Jaron Laws. She never stopped talking about them. They spent as much time together as possible. Her presence in their lives is going to be deeply missed.
Janet is survived by her husband, Dave of Red Lodge; Her son Justin (Christina) Walsh of Helena; Her son Brad (Jen) Walsh of Billings; Her four grandchildren; Her brother Allan of Wyoming; Her brother Vincent of Washington; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Janet is preceded in death by her parents, Alice and Allan Dancer; and her brother, James. Funeral services will be held at the Red Lodge High School on Monday, July 6th at 1:00 P.M. with cremation to follow. Graveside Services will be held on Friday, July 17, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Phillips County Cemetery in Malta, MT. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Janet’s honor to the American Cancer Society in Montana. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Marty & Lyle Cochran says
Janet was an amazing educator, the best. I remember when she was teaching for HLP, she was an inspiration to all of us, especially me! She taught me courage and compassion that I use in my classroom each day, she will be missed. Prayers to the family.
Everall Fox says
Janet was one of a kind. I was honored to have worked with her at Hays Lodgepole. To have spent any time around Janet, you were a better person for it. Prayers to her family and friends.
Brandi Horn says
Janet was an amazing woman, she was great educator. I remember her fondly not only as my teacher/counselor but as my mom’s friend. She had a heart of gold. We will remember her always .
RJ Waggoner says
Sorry for the loss of an important person in your lives. May you find peace in this time of strife and know your families are in thoughts and prayers at this time.
Shannon Fox says
Janet was such a great teacher/counselor for our school. She encouraged our Native Youth to succeed and to go to college. She was always so happy and positive. She will be missed by all. A genuine true teacher/educator/counselor 🙂
Donna Langston says
Janet was a compassionate and effective counselor. She treated students with respect and helped them in many ways. Students always knew that Janet cared and would listen without judgement. Thank you Janet, for all who you have helped and touched in your life. My love and prayers go to the family and all who are experiencing deep sadness.
Wendy Stiffarm says
Janet was an awesome educator, she taught my son many years ago and I’m so thankful that he had that opportunity to have her as a teacher. My thoughts & prayers for her family.
Nedra Horn says
I have so many fond memories of Janet. She was a true champion in all walks of life. She was a strong advocate of children that struggled as well as those that succeeded. I remember her being the backbone of our teacher union. She inspired me in so many ways. I know she hated bologna, ate honey mustard pretzels almost every day, wore clip-on earrings (a funny memory of that). her sneeze didn’t even qualify as a sneeze (we laughed about that, mine was the complete opposite), and she loved shopping in antique shops. We had so many great memories together. We laughed and cried together. She will be truly missed. Prayers for the family.
amy says
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. I only had a brief moment with Janet but she touched me in so many ways. She will be truly missed.
Patti Wilke says
Remembering all those wrestling trips to watch and cheer our boys. Janet always had a bag of red licorice, her favorite. She lived for supporting Brad and Justin in everything they did. So so sorry for your loss of a great lady and Mom.
Kennedy walsh says
I will always remember her cursive handwriting…she was the best…rest in peace…
M Jones says
I am sorry for your loss, please accept my sincere condolences. I hope you will find some comfort and strength in Jesus promise of the earthly resurrection(Acts 24:15)and the renewed Paradise earth, where death will be no more and no family will mourn the death of a loved one.-Revelation 21:3,4;John 5:28,29;Luke 23:43. May GOD(Psalms 83:18)grant you peace and comfort now, during this grievous time.Matthew 5:4.
Wilma Werk says
Sending prayers & condolences to Her Family & Friends. God be with All of You at this sad time. Janet was an awesome educator & role model for her students she taught, She will be missed by All of them!
Carmen Marlatt says
We had so much fun last winter up at your home. Dawesy still talks about sledding and building the igloo at Grandma Janet’s house. He laughs at how deep the snow was and Maggie trying to run through it. We loved you so much and you are deeply missed.
Pat Loge says
My sincere sympathy in the loss of a wonderful person, wife, mother and friend. It is true every personal connection has meaning. Caring for Janet was a pleasure. I will always remember her with that wounderful smile. My prayers are with you in this difficult time. She will be remembered as an amazing woman.