Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes

Serving families in the Miles City, Forsyth, Lame Deer, Broadus, Circle, Jordan and Terry areas for three generations.

For Immediate Help Call
Miles City: 406-232-4457 — Forsyth: 406-346-2311

In Memory Of

Janet O’Connor, age 52, of Colstrip

November 18, 1967 – January 23, 2020

Janet O’Connor, 52, passed on January 23rd, 2020 after a short hard battle with cancer. She passed peacefully with family by her side.

Janet was born on November 18, 1967 in Williston, North Dakota to Larry and Yvonne Ryder. She grew up in the Buford bottoms near Trenton, North Dakota. She spent her childhood helping on the family farm, fishing, and playing with cousins. She loved riding horses and going on trail rides. She was a cheerleader up to her senior year and was a talented piccolo player.

When she was 18, she married her first husband and they had their first child, Micheal, in 1986. They moved to Billings, Montana and had their second child, Chantel, in 1990. Their third child, Kori Lee, was born in 1994.

In 1997 she met her second husband, Erik O’Connor, and they got married in Minot, North Dakota on New Year’s Eve of 2002. Through this marriage, Janet gained another daughter, Stephanie, who she loved like her own.

Around this time, Janet started her career at REM North Dakota as a program specialist helping developmentally disabled adults. She gave hope and dreams to the people she worked with. She was even able to take a group of her clients on a trip to Disney World. Janet always had so much love for everyone around her. She taught her children to care for others, regardless of differences. She loved being a mother.

Janet and her family moved several times over the years, and she enjoyed fixing up the old houses they lived in. She kept a big garden and had an incredible green thumb. Janet even had ponds and a stream in her yard that she designed herself. She enjoyed animals and wildlife so much. She always had lots of pets and enjoyed having saltwater fish tanks.

In the summer of 07’ Janet and Erik moved their family to Colstrip, Montana. Janet’s love for the outdoors continued to grow and she spent a lot of time camping, fishing, hunting, and going to archery shoots with family and friends. She took many long hunting and fishing trips with her husband. Some of their favorite places to go together included The Little Belt Mountains, Big Horn Mountains, Woodbine campground, and Canyon Ferry.

In 2011, Janet’s first grandson, Brayden, was born. After that, she had three more grandchildren, Bodhi, Cade, and Kyla. She was thrilled to find out that she would be welcoming a new grandchild to the family in July 2020 (of Kori and Kory Willard). Being a grandmother meant so much to her and she was very involved with her grandchildren. They were the light of her life.

Janet was always a creative person. She created a beautiful yard and ponds. She made beautiful doilies, banners, quilts, and more. She also liked taking pictures of her family and took photos for graduations, engagements, weddings and her grandchildren. She was an amazing cook and loved making big meals for family and friends.

Janet liked to spend time looking into her family genealogy and learning about her family history. She was a bond between families and kept them in touch with one another. Janet always had a pot of coffee and an open ear to anyone who needed it. Many family members and friends felt supported and cared for by her love and compassion.

Janet spent her last summer camping and fishing with her husband, Erik. She had so many more camping trips planned with her kids and grandkids. She really looked forward to spending time in the outdoors with her grandchildren. Whenever her loved ones see something beautiful in nature, like a flower or sunset, they will know she is with them.

Janet’s final resting place will be under a beautiful Weeping Willow near Williston, North Dakota. She will be missed terribly, but will remain forever in the hearts of those she touched.

She is survived by her husband, Erik O’Connor; her siblings Julia Ryder, Lynette (Dan) Markle, Lee Ryder; her children Micheal (Jordana) Nelson, Chantel (Ryan) McPherson, KoriLee (Kory) Willard, and Stephanie O’Connor; her grandchildren Brayden and Bodhi McPherson, Cade and Kyla Nelson, and baby Willard due July, 2020.

Service Schedule

Memorial Service

11:00 AM

Saturday February 8, 2020

Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home

245 Westwind Lane

Forsyth, Montana 59327

View map

Service Schedule

Memorial Service

11:00 AM

Saturday February 8, 2020

Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home

245 Westwind Lane

Forsyth, Montana 59327

View map

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. Erik, Mike and family so very sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless.

  2. Eric and family so sorry to hear about your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you all love you my brother

  4. Eric and family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. May your memories comfort and sustain you thru the coming days.

  5. Uncle Erik and family words cannot express the saddness that I feel for your loss of your beautiful wife. You have my condolences, my thoughts, and my prayers in the coming weeks. It was recently that I learned of the loss of Grandma Judy. Your family has been on my mind since everyday since I have quite fond memories from my childhood. I am so very sorry to here of this news and am sending all my love. Jennifer Deming

  6. Even when you know it’s coming it’s so very hard.
    We loved Janet and hope you will be comforted by God’s presence. Love to each of you.
    Aunt Carol & Uncle Jerry.

  7. Erik and Family. There just isnt enough words to tell you how sorry we are for your loss. Our hearts are breaking for you. She fought such a tough battle and we know the Lord is holding her and all of you in his arms. We will be there for you for anything you need. We love you with all of our hearts brother. God bless you all. She will live through those kids and you forever. Buggs and Loni

  9. So incredibly sorry to hear of your family’s loss! I loved Janet’s spunk and spirit, and how fiercely she loved and supported her family! You are in Shane and I’s thoughts and prayers!

  10. Erik and family, So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Bob & Mary Ann Whitehead

  11. Erik and family I am so very sorry to hear that Janet passed. She loved her family so much and loved to talk about them. My thoughts are with you hugs and Prayers

  12. I’m so sorry for the loss you are going through. You all have been in my daily thoughts and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. We will all miss Janet. Her love for you all always shine down on you.
    Hugs!!

  13. So so sorry for your loss!! It’s so difficult to lose someone you love so much. Our prayers 🙏 go out to all of your family! Remember it he brings you to it he will get you through it!!

  14. Erik & family – we are so sorry to hear of Janet’s passing. Know that you are in our thoughts & prayers, and that her pain has ceased.

  15. Erik and family, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your Wife, Mother, Grandmother and friend. Janet will live on through all of you precious memories. Our prayers are with you all.

  16. Oh the memories I have staying nights with Janet and the kids when we were little. My thoughts and prayers have been with you all these past few months and will continue to be. ❤️ Love ya guys.

  17. Erik and family, my heart breaks for you all. Janet was truly one of a kind. Heaven gained a perfect angel yesterday. I know she is safe up there and no longer in pain. Just remember to keep looking in your hearts as that is a place where you’ll always find her love.

  18. I’m so sorry for you guys. Janet was a great person and friend. She will be greatly missed. Hugs for your guys.

  19. So sorry to hear about Janet. Grew up with her in Northeastern Montana. Prayers to the family..

  20. Eric and family, so Sorry to hear of Janet’s passing. May wonderful memories of her carry you and your family through the next trying days. You are in our thoughts and prayers, hugs for all.
    sending all our love.

  22. Erik. My condolences to you and your family. May god wrap his arms around you all in this tough time.

  25. My amazing auntie 💔. So awesome, so many memories, Thank you for always being there, and being proud of me, one of the best aunt’s in the world, and you will be missed greatly 😪

  26. Eric, my heart breaks for you all. Be strong and keep her alive by remembering all the wonderful days you had together.

  27. Eric and family, I’m so terribly sorry for your loss. May God give you strength and comfort in this difficult time.

  29. Eric and family,
    So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Hold onto the precious memories you have. Rest in Peace, Janet.

  31. So sorry for your loss. Sending hugs & Prayers.
    May you find comfort the memories you have shared .

  32. So sorry for your loss. Sending hugs & Prayers. To all her family.
    May you find comfort the memories you have shared .

  33. So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers your way to get through this difficult time.

  35. Eric and family I am so sorry to hear about Janet. My thoughts and prayers are with you. She was such a fun person to be around and even thou I have not seen you guys in years I have never forgotten about you guys. Fly high and we will see you on the other side. Hugs

  37. I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I grew up in the Buford bottoms with the Ryders years ago and you all have a special place in my heart. My prayers for all those grieving her passing.

  38. Eric and family, so so sorry for your loss. I got to know Janet working at REM. We traveled to Florida together for a once in a lifetime time trip for the individuals she loved and cared for. She had a huge heart and giving spirit. May she Rest In Peace and May you find the peace that passes all understanding.
    Nancy

  39. Eric and family we are saddened by Janet’s passing. We pray for comfort, peace and strength for you through the coming days.

  40. Sending condolences and prayers. Holding wonderful memories of Janet close to our heart,
    Hugs
    Kristen Nelson

  41. I was saddened to hear of Janet’s passing. I remember her in school; I liked herl
    After reading her obit, she was special and certainly a servant to others. Praying for the familie’s comfort. Janet is now safe in the arms of Jesus.

    Dave and Dixie Harmon

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