Janice M. Swanson
On 12.03.2022, our precious mom went to heaven to join her parents and husband after a long-fought battle with COPD and dementia. Trying to fit 85 beautiful years into one page is proving nearly impossible. Mom was the glue that held our family together through good times and bad. She was always there without fail for anything we needed, even when we didn’t know we needed her. She was loving and strong, outspoken yet gentle and she had the biggest heart of anyone we have ever known. She loved fiercely and protected those she loved at all costs. She loved us kids, along with all of our friends like no other. Our house was always open and a safe place for anyone who needed it. She was the mom with the big station wagon that took the whole neighborhood of kids to the pool, the Dairy Queen and trick or treating every year, memories we will forever cherish. She thought she could not love anyone as much as she loved us kids, but then the grandkids came along. Josh, Sage and Shawnee gave her new life and she was the best Grandma in the world. She never missed a school program, a sporting event, a birthday party or a family trip and she was always their favorite babysitter. She always wanted a granddaughter. When Josh and Sage were born, she was their favorite person and playmate. She was the one making mud pies and sandcastles at the lake, dressing up in costumes and playing ninja turtles, playing video games she had no idea how to play and cheering them on in anything they did. She loved “her boys” so and that never changed. Then along came Shawnee, her long awaited granddaughter, and Shawnee hated her! She would hold her breath if mom was in the same room. Mom never gave up and after a couple of years, she was also the light of Shawnee’s life. The older Shawnee grew, the closer they got and developed the bond that only a granddaughter has with her grandma. She enriched their lives more than words can say and as she grew weary, they all took the time to let her know how much they loved and cherished her. In 2009, the absolute love of her life was born to Josh, our Cayden James. Cayden could do no wrong and was the most beautiful child in the world. She was his babysitter and his best friend. He use to cry on weekends when his dad didn’t have to go to work because he wanted to play with GG. He had her wrapped around his finger until her final day. Mom gave so much to Cayden, but Cayden gave her much more than he knew. He renewed her happiness and was her rock when she lost our dad. Mom loved many things in this life in addition to her family. Her cigarettes, the sun, her many animals, her cherished friends and especially the cabin she and dad bought at Fort Peck in 2004. That cabin brought more joy to mom and dad than we can express and as we continue to enjoy family times up there, we will forever be thankful for not only the cabin, but the memories that were made there as a whole family. You raised us well and you raised us strong and you prepared us to go on once you were no longer here. Godspeed mom, we love you and we will make you proud.
Janice was born to Charles and Marie (Nottveit) Bertz on 09.07.1937 in McIntosh, SD. The family moved to Marmarth, ND when she was 9 months old. A sister, Sharon, joined the family in 1940. She attended school there through 12th grade and continued her education at the Rapid City College of Business. She returned to Marmarth and worked in Bowman, ND at the ASC office until she married Robert Swanson on 08.31.1957. Two children, Rocky in 1958 and Sherri in 1966 completed their family. They lived all over the state of Montana while dad worked for the MDOT until finally settling in Miles City in 1963.
Mom worked for Holy Rosary Hospital, Custer County Rest Home, Family Planning and Reynolds grocery store. She and dad both retired in July of 2005 to enjoy their life at the cabin. The family came often and she would stand in the front yard waving at us as we drove away until we could no longer see her. Her favorite thing was fishing and dad would get so stiff he finally took the driver seat out of the boat and replaced it with a padded lawn chair so she could stay out as long as she wanted. The next summer they bought a Pontoon!
Mom was preceded in death by her parents and our dad, Robert in 2017. She is survived by her children, Rocky and Sherri as well as her grandchildren, Josh, Sage(Cassidy) and Shawnee and of course her great grandson, Cayden James. She is also survived by her sister and best friend, Sharon Bertz and several nieces, nephews and cousins. We cannot fail to mention the bond she had with her niece Sheila Marshall (her second daughter) and her family as well as her bestie, Jeanne Berg and the entire “Berg” clan. She loved you all so much. Last but not least her cherished friend, Roxanne Harding. Roxanne you added so much joy to mom’s life. Her friends are far too many to mention and there were few people she did not know. She loved you all and we know mom loved unconditionally, just as she would want all of us to do.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held on 12.21.2022 at 1 PM, at Stevenson and Son’s Funeral Home followed by burial at the Veteran’s Cemetery along side our dad and with her best puppy Sammie. A luncheon will follow at the Parlor. Please join us in celebrating a life well lived.
Donations can be made on her behalf to Hospice, who so graciously made her final days and passing everything we hoped they would be. Melissa, Kelly and Holly, you will always remain in our hearts for being so kind to mom when we couldn’t be there.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1:00 PM
Wednesday December 21, 2022
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Following the Celebration of Life
Wednesday December 21, 2022
Eastern Montana Veterans State Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Following Interment
Wednesday December 21, 2022
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1:00 PM
Wednesday December 21, 2022
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Following the Celebration of Life
Wednesday December 21, 2022
Eastern Montana Veterans State Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Following Interment
Wednesday December 21, 2022
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Diane M Welbes says
Sherry and Rocky, I wish I had words to lighten your agony but sometimes words are just not enough. Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jerry and Sheila Christopherson says
Sherri and Rocky,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. Our mothers always hold a special place in our hearts. There was no one in this world that means as much to you as your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Marvin & Lynne Brush says
Sorry for your loss.
Denise Harvey says
My thoughts and prayers are with you! We will always miss our moms but they are fierce guardian angels!
Denise Harvey
Jane Shores says
Rocky and Sherry, I’m so sorry to see your mom has passed away! I just loved to visit with her in my younger days! She was my inspiration.
RS says
Rocky, and Sherry soooo sorry for the loss of your mom . She was a awesome lady ..
My thoughts and prayers are with u all in this bad time… my deep prayers and thoughts go out to u both .. least now shes up in heaven playing cards with Jim and the test of the family … again my thoughts and prayers are with u
Mary Ann stoltz says
Rocky and Sherri God be with you both and help you through your mom passing!
Linda Walker says
I’m sad to hear this.
Nancy Striebel Wiffler says
Rocky and Sherri, your Mom was such a special part of the Striebel/Childers families in Marmarth, her passing leaves a hole in our hearts.
Eileen Entzel says
I am so sorry for your loss The family are in my thoughts and prayers. I was so lucky to have known her.
Jeanne Eads says
Sherri and Rocky , my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your great loss . I’ll always remember hers and my getting together at the park with the grandkids. She was an inspiration to all who had her in their lives.
Jim & Cathy Bastian says
Sherri and Rocky, we are so sorry to hear about Janice. Oh, what great times we had at Reynolds! Jim and she had a love/hate relationship, but always left as friends. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sherry Bohlman says
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I knew Janice since I was little and always thought highly of her. My prayers go out to all the family.
Beth Ann Johnson Wiedeman says
Rocky and family: may your heart be filled with memories, easing the pain of grief.
James Arneson says
Rocky, i am sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family. May God fill your heart with the best of memories now and always.
Jenny Hickox says
My sweet Janice, you are certainly loved and missed. I thank God for the time I was given with you. I do wish we would have got more time together. ❤️ My prayers, thoughts and love go out to her family especially to Sherri and Rocky and her grandson and great grandson.
Lynn Praetorius says
I worked with Janice, at the old county rest home. What times we had. She was always a friend you could count on and dedicated to friendships and family. Sherri and Rocky, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to you both and your entire family. My memories of her are etched in my mind and I feel fortunate she was in my life.
Dorothy says
To my cousins family,
I so sorry loss Janice. She took good care of me all my life . She wasn’t just a cousin she was my second mom. She always had time with me school shopping and spend alot time at her place and enjoy it. My favorite was got a bubble bath mr.bubbles. I had many Christians with family and she always brought Santa Claus night before and ring doorbell and full of presents at porch. She always spoiled me . I loved her all my heart . She always call me nick name Dot. I meet her again in heaven. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you all.
Love cousin
Dot
Martha says
Rocky and Sherri and grand kids
I so sorry loss Janice. Janice help me and her uncle Jim raise my daughter and I appreciate it so much. Jim and I spend alot of holidays with the family . Janice always there we needed her and took with my family. I loved her so much . I meet her again in Heaven . Prayers and thoughts with all.
Barb (Berg) Foote says
Rocky, Sherri and families,
I have many many wonderful memories of our families together, your mom was always so much fun! Wherever Janice was, there was an abundance of love and laughter. What a beautifully written memorial for a truly wonderful person. This is a huge, hard loss, and I am so very sorry. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you!
Robby says
Sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Aunt Janice always had a way of making everyone feeling welcome and wanted. She will be missed by all who truly knew her.
Wanda Gibson says
Rocky, Sherri and family, so very sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care and God Bless.
Dakotah (Bartholomew) Stoneking says
Sherri,
So sorry – and you said it right – celebrating a life well lived! Reading the above brought back treasured happy memories. So very thankful for the love she gave and the lives impacted from it. Love to you all.
Megan King says
This is a lovely tribute to Janice, and you captured her essence of love and generosity perfectly. Thanks for the shoutout to the Bergs. We all loved her too. I loved when she sat at our kitchen table, smoking and talking. She was always entertaining. I remember piling into the big station wagon and going to the pool. I also remember her driving us all to South Dakota. They truly were the best of friends, and I won’t forget the memories our families made together. Sending love and prayers to the best neighbors.
Kay Russ says
Janice was always a kind and supportive friend. We had some good times at CCRH back in the day. I have missed hearing from her and now I know why. My deepest sympathy to all her family and friends.
Rob Bartholomew says
Rocky,Sherri and Josh,
Been thinking of the many great memories your mom made with my children. Always so glad my children had your mom as a “grandma.” So so sorry for your loss. Prayers. Rob b.
Shannon Halsey-Holmen says
She always had a smile. She was a great neighbor to my dad and looked out for him. We so appreciated her care. She will be very missed. Here’s to great memories.
Megan Oliver says
So very sorry to hear about Janice. I sure loved her! I would always have to stop and visit with her at Reynolds everytime I’d come to visit. She will be greatly missed.
Sandi Bruce says
Sherri I’m sorry for your loss. It has been so nice to live around the corner from your parents. I have memories of very living close to them mostly how excited my children were with all the Christmas lights and lawn decor. Keeping your family in prayer
Annette J Schwan says
In grade school, Janice was, as she was to so many others, my second mom. Sherri and I had so much fun growing up on the same block. Janice was the one I ran to when I left school because I didn’t want to take my turn in kickball. She was the one who made buttered popcorn for dinner Saturday nights. She was the one and took us driving around in the family station wagon eating buster bars from the Dairy Queen while singing out the back end. She walked me home when I wanted my Mom. Bob and Janice took me on vacation and she let Sherri go on vacation with me. Janice gave so many people so many good memories. She had a perfect lawn and the most organized, clean house on the planet. She worked HARD. You knew if Janice cared enough to get mad at you, she loved you. Janice was so very loyal to those she loved. She gave effortlessly. I am lucky to have known you, Janice. You will be remembered for your strength. You were tough as nails and simultaneously as soft as the cloud you’re resting on.
Roxi Lecoe says
To the family of the most treasured memory in my life..when I was young she was like my second mother….it seems like there isn’t one childhood memory without Janice and Bob in it …they even took me on all of their dates….and even though we were separated by distance it seemed when we did get to see each other it was as though we saw each other every day..Janice just had the ability to make everyone feel loved…goodbye my friend I will see you in the other side…praying for peace for her family…she will be missed thank the Lord we all have wonderful memories to cherish….
Barbara Carranza says
ROCKY & SHERRI SO SORRY TO HEAR THE PASSING OF YOUR MOM. From the first day i met your MOM, we were friends. We lived next door to u guys and u played with our children, June, John, Joey & Joni. Your MOM was so fun to visit with. I looked forward to going home after work to make 2 slow Gin drinks, took them over to the back yard & I’d tell her about my day. She’d tell me about her day. That women was a house cleaner beyond words.. She took care of her flowers & loved them as she loved u kids. Thought u did a wonderful obit 4 her, as it said what she was. She is going to be missed by many yet I know there will be many waiting to see her smiling face too.
Jae (Joni/Babe) Carranza says
Sherry & Rocky- My thoughts and prayers are with you both in this time as you navigate the loss of your beautiful and loving mother. Your mom was such a beautiful energy! Even as a small child, I felt her love of life and her love for you both..She always made me smile and she had a joy of life that was inspiring!> I loved seeing her in the yard, working in her garden, sunbathing and enjoying a good smoke! Her energy is passed on to you both and also all your beautiful children, her grandchildren. That energy is never ending and I know you will feeling it whenever you look into the mirror, whenever you look into each others eyes and whenever you look into the eyes of her beautiful and precious grandchildren : ) RIP Janice Swanson! Your memory will burn as bright and as warm and as strong as the sun that loved to bask in! xoxox
Joey J Carranza says
Rocky & sherry, s sorry for your recent loss. Seems like yesterday we were having water ballon fights in the backward while our moms sipped on an after work drink and worked on their summer tans. And I have to admit, I was pretty jealous of your mom. I mean, here I am, half Mexican and yet your mom always had a tan 5 shades darker than me. That used to bug the hell out of me. But she was always so nice me so it was easy to forget about it. And yes, just as my sister said, Janice may be gone physically, but as long as there is still you two and all of her grandkids around, there will always be a little bit of Janice in this world. My condolences and love you both!
June (Carranza) Warden says
Rocky and Sherri,
I have fond memories of your Mom working in her yard, working on her tan and keeping that house immaculate. May she rest in peace.
XOXO