04/01/2026
Serving others; optimism; kindness; compassion; a loyal friend; and a loving daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother are qualities enveloped in the life of Janet Gail Gardner. On March 29, 2026, Janet passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loved ones.
Janet was born in Jackson, Teton, Wyoming, on November 22, 1947, to Alonzo William ‘Billy’ Grisamer and Nancy Ann Blanchard Grisamer. She moved to Charlo, Montana, as a young child and loved sharing her fond memories of growing up on her Daddy’s ranch. She lived a life threaded with lessons learned from being the daughter of a western rancher and a seamstress mother. She is the oldest of five children, Ronnie (Bev) Grisamer, Raquel (Gary) Hunt, Joy (Bill) Lawrence, and Judy (Del) Niemeyer.
Janet graduated from Charlo High School and later received her LPN license from LDS College in Idaho Falls, Idaho. On Friday, September 13, 1968, she married the love of her life and eternal companion, Dennis Gardner, in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple. A highlight of Janet’s life was her double wedding day, when she married Dennis, alongside Dennis’s sister, Jewel, who married Timothy Seward. For 57 years Janet and Dennis honored the uniqueness of their anniversary whenever it landed on Friday the 13th of any month.
In 1969, Janet began her treasured role of mother to Connie (Roger) Romero; Paul (Fawn) Gardner, Kristy (Bryan) McEwan, and Sarah (Tony) Brown. As mother to four children under five years of age, she enrolled in classes to pursue her passion for the artistry of floral design. In 1975, she became a business owner of St-Char-Ro Floral and Event Rentals and recently celebrated 50 years serving communities throughout Lake County in Montana. As a florist and event coordinator, Janet was known and marveled for her creativity, personal touch, and the smallest of details. She was well-known in her community for serving tirelessly in her small-town, home-grown, family business. The flower shop was her second home that brought her livelihood, fulfillment, and joy as she worked with people from all walks of life. She loved embracing friends and helping all celebrate life’s significant milestones of births, weddings, funerals, and everything in between.
Janet was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who exemplified unwavering faith in her Savior Jesus Christ. She found pleasure in the small things, loved doing life the ‘old-fashioned’ way, crocheting, visiting, living in the valley of the majestic Mission Mountains, and spending time with her family and friends. She could listen for hours to the sounds and songs of her children and grandchildren. She loved being in charge, orchestrating, and making a difference in the celebratory milestones of everyone around her.
Janet is the grandmother to 18 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Alonzo William ‘Billy’ Grisamer & Nancy Ann Blanchard Grisamer, sister, Raquel Hunt, and many dear relatives and life-long friends.
Janet and her family give a huge thanks to all who helped care for her in her times of need. As she continues her journey forward, we know if we asked her how she is doing today, she would enthusiastically reply, “Oh, I’m happy!” Rest well Janet. We love you and will keep you forever in our hearts.
We invite all who knew and loved Janet to attend her viewing on Friday, April 3, 2026, 5-8 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (700 4th Avenue, SE, Ronan, Montana). Her funeral service will be Saturday, April 4, 2026, in the same location at 10:30 am, with a luncheon following, and 2 pm Interment at the Ronan Cemetery, 46727 Foothills Drive, Ronan, Montana.
