Janice “Jan” Whittmyer Lewis, 80, passed away from natural causes at the Renaissance Senior Care facility in Helena Montana the morning of November 3, 2024. Jan recently lived in Vaughn Montana. Jan was born on June 30, 1944, in Aberdeen, South Dakota to Martha (Krause) Whittmyer and Harold Whittmyer.
After Jan graduated from high school she married Elwood Emerson, together they had a son William “Bill” Emerson. Elwood died on December 21st, 1981. Jan married Duane Lewis on December 15th, 1984, in Helena Montana. They enjoyed many happy years before Duane’s death in 2005.
Jan was a housekeeper for years. She would sit and visit with her elderly clients before or after cleaning their homes, enjoying her time with each one. Her house was one of the most organized houses you will ever see. The family joke was to give tours of her closet and sock drawer.
Jan helped her son Bill purchase Red Sky Mobile Home Park in Vaughn Montana. For years she collected the rent for Bill and helped him with the bookwork. She considered her neighbors friends and helped when she could. As she aged, her neighbors helped her instead.
Jan, Duane, and their granddaughters collected Beanie babies. She has hundreds and yes, they are organized by type of animal. Jan also collected miniature shoes that filled several display cases throughout her house.
Jan loved her grandchildren and the children of her friends. She made lavish Easter baskets and Christmas stockings for them. Jan and Duane loved to travel and took their grandchildren on many of their trips, including Europe.
Jan was preceded in death by her husbands Elwood Emerson and Duane Lewis; son William Emerson; her parents; stepdaughter Trudy Bakalian; and brothers Jim Whittmyer and Bob Whittmyer.
Jan is survived by granddaughters Carissa Emerson, Candace (Steve) Wells, Corinthia Luttrell, and Tracie Amparan; stepdaughters Sherri Emerson and Danita (Dan) Green; stepsons William Lewis and Daniel (Kim) Lewis; several greatgrandchildren and special friend Pat Martin.
A special thank you to the care givers at Renaissance Senior Care.
A Graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024 for both Jan and her son Bill.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
2:30 p.m.
Friday November 15, 2024
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
2:30 p.m.
Friday November 15, 2024
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Steve & Wanda Arlint says
Dear Billy and family:
We are sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Her and my mom (Jean Whitley) had so much fun together. I spent the day with your mom when I was in labor with Mandy.
Do you remember making saw horses for Steve?
Wanda & Steve Arlint
Ann Scherner says
Janice was our housekeeper for many years as well as my sister’s housekeeper but she was so much more – such a kind and fun woman and her friendship was so dear to my parents and all of us kids over the years – my condolences to all of the family and she will be missed.
Ann Power Scherner