Janis Marie Smith

February 22 - March 7, 2022

On the afternoon of March 7th, 2022, Janis Marie Nelson Smith peacefully passed away from natural causes surrounded by her four children at Peace Hospice Care in Great Falls. She was 92 years young, active, healthy and sassy up to the day her life changed just 4 days prior to passing. A Celebration of Life will be held at the United Methodist church in Fort Benton on April 2nd @ 1pm with a reception following at the Holiday Inn in Great Falls, from 3-7 pm.

Born Janis Marie Brugman in Philip, South Dakota on February 22nd, 1930, and raised in Wanblee. The youngest of 4 children, the family encountered difficult times. Jan's mother died in 1932 followed by her father in 1936 of typhoid fever. Jan's siblings left the home and Jan moved to Fort Benton as a young girl and was eventually adopted by her Aunt Emma Nelson and family. She was both admired and loved, she quickly became an important member of her new family, the Nelsons. She graduated from Fort Benton high school in 1948 and quickly began her working career soon after. Janis Nelson married Stan Smith on January 1, 1954...a union that lasted 67 years until the passing of Stan in March of 2021. Jan was a mother of 4 children, grandmother of 15, and a great-grandmother of 22 (with one on the way). As the years moved forward, Jan looked forward to each family visit while cherishing all memories of being surrounded by her family.

Jan was actively involved in supporting and providing for her family. Along with raising four children, she managed to work in the Geraldine and Fort Benton communities for many years. She worked at the Chouteau County Clerk and Recorder office in Fort Benton, at the local Geraldine Co-op Store, Credit Bureau in Dillon and Ken Boggs Chevrolet in Geraldine as an account manager before the business moved to Fort Benton. Jan retired in 1991, at the age of 61, she and Stan then started their own crop insurance business in 1985, S-n-J Insurance, a business both were very proud of and continues with their daughter Jodi. Jan served her community through numerous volunteer programs and was an active member of the Geraldine United Methodist church for many years. Prior to moving to Great Falls in 2021, Jan and Stan built their dream home in Geraldine and had lived there since 1980.

Our mother had an enthusiasm for life and continued to be active until the time of her passing. Her proudest moments include time with family and she will always be remembered as a remarkable wife, mother, grandma, and great-grandmother. Her infectious smile and giggle were always a part of her personality and the life of every family gathering. She enjoyed her many trips with Stan, reading, going for walks, gambling (she was lucky) but mostly spending her time with family in an array of activities (sporting events, music, camping, backyard games, and of course, playing cards.) The card game named "oh hell" will be forever known as "Gramma Jan's game". An accomplished cook, Jan is best known for her oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, soups, deer stew and chokecherry jelly. There was always a meal and a welcome invitation for anyone that showed up for dinner. Jan was a strong woman, taking whatever life gave to her and rising above any challenge. Mom worked outside the home when most women did not, we

like to think of her as a pioneer, a role model for sure. She taught her children about resilience, strength, and discipline. You make the best from what you were given, and remain loyal to family. We learned to never give up and look for the good in all! Our mother loved angels as she collected them and gave them as gifts. She will always be a part of us...An Angel who guides us!

Jan was preceded in death by her Husband (Stan), infant daughter (Michelle), father and mother (David Brugman and Eva Schroll Brugman), adoptive mother and father (Emma and Adolph Nelson), brothers Hersh Brugman, sister Joyce Guetlich. Adoptive Brothers, Robert Nelson, Pete Nelson and sister Helen Eckart.

She is survived by her four children, Patty (Chuck) Butler of Helena, Tony (Twyla) Smith of Corvallis, Kevin (Paula) Smith of Billings and Jodi (Bryan) Duvall of Geraldine/Great Falls. Grandchildren, Korrie, Jeff, Erin, Marcee, Kellie, Kasey, Tisha, Matt, Brittany, Bobbi, Brooke Brett, Tayler, Korbin and Brady and 22 great grandchildren, brother Doyle Brugman, dear friends, cousins, nieces, nephews, and her forever faithful dog Mia.

Benton Funeral home is handling arrangements. The family would like to express their gratitude to the Great Falls Peace Hospice Care Staff. Their commitment and compassion for Jan and her family will always be remembered.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Geraldine Swimming Pool or The Chouteau County Dedman Foundation. Please visit www.bentonfh.com to offer condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jan.