On Wednesday, May 10, 2023, Janalene Irene Cottrill passed away at the age of 85. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Jane was born in Ryegate, Montana on November 27, 1937, to Glenn and Lucille Benjamin. She was the oldest of 10 children and throughout her life she was always there to take care of her siblings.
She was raised in Ryegate and graduated from high school there. She always told the story of how she graduated on Friday and boarded a bus on Saturday morning to move to Helena, where she attended school at the Helena Business College. She soon met Ed Cottrill and they married on December 19, 1959. They had two sons, Kevin and David who blessed them with 4 grandchildren.
Ed was an entrepreneur and together they owned and ran Cottrill Cleaning Services for several years, while the boys were young, and then started Cottrill Sod Farm in the Helena Valley. They owned and ran this for 35 years. While Ed was finding new ventures, Jane worked at the US Census bureau for years and traveled the country “counting people”. She told many tales of the interesting people she met. She then started working for the State of Montana and retired after 25 years of dedicated service.
Jane loved having family around and hosted many gatherings at the “funny farm”. A family favorite that all the nieces and nephews remember fondly was the wonderful Easter egg hunts. She loved camping and boating adventures at the lake with family and friends. When they moved to the valley, she told the boys that they could raise animals, and they had a wide variety over the years, Mr. Moo and the goat even attended a few parties in the house. She had a wonderful, and sometimes “feisty” sense of humor, something she had until the very end. She didn’t like to be the center of attention, but she was usually the life of the party with her “zingers” here and there, and definitely the one you wanted to sit next to. Jane enjoyed life and had many hobbies over the years, but her favorite was reading. She never found a book she didn’t like, and she read them over and over. Years ago, there was a small bookstore in town that was going out of business and Ed bought a large portion of it for her. She was very proud of her collection and continually added to it!
Jane adored her grandchildren and loved spending time with them. She definitely believed in the sayings “Grandma’s house, Grandma’s rules” and “What happens at Grandma’s stays at Grandma’s”. They had many adventures with her and have wonderful memories that will last their lifetimes.
Jane is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Edward Cottrill, her parents, Glenn and Lucille Benjamin, her in-laws William and Emma Cottrill, her brothers, Jerry, Glenn, StiIlman and Bill Benjamin and her sister Faye Dubois. She is survived by her sons Kevin (Michele) of Helena and David (Ginny) of Renton, WA, grandchildren Cody, Chase, Anna and Alisa Cottrill, her siblings Glenda Grover, Mary Ann Boyer, Orville Benjamin, Stu (Gaye) Benjamin, her brother-in-law Ken (Linda) Cottrill and many nieces and nephews.
What a ride, what a journey, and what an incredible life our mother carved out and we are so thankful we were the passengers that were along for the ride. We laughed, we cried and learned love and we now celebrate the times she made so special – we love you and miss you.
Our mother requested that no services be held at her passing, and we will honor her request. She laughed and told us recently, if you wanted to visit me, you should have come over when I was alive – her humor was so sharp and witty, will always have that as a glimpse into her beautiful life.
Kevin and his family were incredible these last years, taking care of her and making sure she could stay in her home safely. We also want to thank her sister Glenda Grover for the time, assistance and love she provided over the last few years, it meant so much that she was able to be in her own place.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Glenda Grover says
Tears you may wipe away. But the heart ache is here to stay. RIP my dear sister.
Vanessa Tolson says
Janie was a very dear lady, an amazing anchor for her entire family always looking for the good in everyone, great sense of humor! Rest in peace dear lady. Love you. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Renee Pipinich says
So sorry to hear of Janie’s passing. She and Ed were my neighbors for 34 years and they were the best neighbors I could ever ask for! Rest in peace sweet Janie.
Jim and Sally says
I am am so so sorry to see that she passed. Our heart hurts for you. Thoughts and prayers for you and lots of hugs.
Regena Peterson says
I am so sorry to hear Janie passed. She was a way cool lady. I was lucky to have known her.
Bill, Sherri & kids says
Janie ~ You will be dearly missed by anyone who was lucky enough to know you. So many memories from the Hollow… Especially Sunday mornings when the motorcycle started up, the campfires, and so many more memories with family & friends. A special lady to this family. Rest in peace ….
Tonya Benjamin says
Your Memory is a keepsake from which I’ll never part God has you in his keeping, I have you in my Heart.
Aunt Janie I love you and you will be very missed. The Memories I have of you will last forever. Your free now. with Uncle Ed and Aunt Faye and Dad and the rest. Until we meet again. I love you.
Bj Benjamin says
You will be missed
Henry Flatow says
I worked with Jan for a number of years at DPHHS. We enjoyed each other’s company including general discussions.
jessie E lesofski says
Kevin and Mikey, Im so sorry to see this notice. Please accept our condolences.