Janice Schindele

Following a life full of laughter, Jan died in Great Falls. Jan was the 6th of 10 children born to Max and Ramona (Perry) Elmore in Ekalaka, MT. The family moved to Great Falls in the early 1950’s where Max started work at the Anaconda Smelter. Jan played competitive softball well into her 40’s, and found joy in her many hobbies, wood carving, repurposing “found objects” and carried on with mom’s love of flower gardening. Jan loved having a well-groomed yard and never went far without a hat.

The fondest of her memories were of her children and grandchildren along with her extended family. Jan loved her horses and sold her last horse in her early 60’s after cattle drives, mountain riding, and saddle club competitions when she was younger. Jan graduated from Great Falls High with honors and then the College of Great Falls magna cum laude with a degree in education. After several years of teaching in Great Falls, Jan started a 30-year social worker career with the State of Montana Department of Health and Human Services. She enjoyed helping people “in need” – just a “hand up” to reclaim their happiness, especially the children.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Margaret E and Michelle West, brothers Gary, Clifford, Eugene, and Ken who died in Vietnam.

She is survived by her children Colette (Clay) Skurdal and their children Kendra, Ian and Lexie, Kevin (Sheila) Schindele and his daughter, Kari Cleveland, and Randy (Rachel) Schindele and their children Savannah, Bodin, and Hunter. Surviving siblings are Carole Dabler, Donna Hardesty, and Rob Elmore. Jan chose to be cremated with no formal services.

Memorials to the donor’s choice but Jan supported cancer and dialysis research, or plant and nurture a flower.

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