Janice Jeannine Lyons

Janice Jeannine Lyons, 85, of Judith Gap passed away on Thursday, March 12th, 2026 at her home of natural causes. She was born on January 26, 1941 to Charles and Anna (Fleck) Stricker in Torrington, WY. Jan spent her youth on her family's row crop farm in Torrington, WY with her younger brothers Larry and Denny. As a young girl, she and her family spent winters in Arizona to escape the Wyoming weather.

Jan attended school in Torrington, Wyoming. Jan met the love of her life, Jim Lyons, who was attending Eastern Wyoming College at the time. Jim quickly fell in love with "the farmer’s daughter." On June 29, 1958, Jan and Jim united in marriage in Torrington, Wyoming.

Together they raised a family, working on ranches in Wyoming and Montana. They returned to Jim’s family ranch, west of Judith Gap, in 1970. Jan was known for her skills in cooking and sewing. She worked for several years at the Judith Gap School and at the Judith Gap Mercantile. Jan and Jim finally retired in 2017, spending their remaining years enjoying family and friends. Everyone said that their marriage would “never last”, but they enjoyed 62 years together, until Jim passed in 2021.

Jan is survived by her children: daughter Shawn (John) Gaugler of Bozeman, Montana; son Shay (Linda) Lyons of Graham, Washington; and daughter Shannon (Joe) Balas of Butte, Montana. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Josh (Renee), Dustin (Alyssa), Tyler (Lysee) Taylor, Kendal, Macey, and Payton; and her great-grandchildren: Lexi, Koen, Kasen, Oakley, Madison, Blake, Addison, Gavin, Knox, Isla, Crew, and Riot; as well as her goddaughter, Kathy Leikam.

Jan was preceded in death by her husband Jim, two infant sons (Michael and Robbie), her infant granddaughter Jordyn, and her brothers Larry and Denny.

Friends and relatives are asked to join in the celebration of Jan’s life on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the Judith Gap Methodist Church, with a reception. Graveside services to be at 1:00 p.m. at the Harlowton Cemetery. The Perkins Funeral Home is assisting the family.

The family would also like to thank Holly and Joel Schwers for their love and support over the last few years. The love and care you showed our parents will forever be remembered. Thank you.

Friends are asked to make memorials to the Judith Gap Methodist church or to the charity of their choice, and they may be left with the Perkins Funeral Home, PO Box 313, Harlowton, MT 59036. Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.perkinsfuneralandcremation.com.

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