Janice was born in the middle of winter on January 24, 1943 to Charles F. Smith and Emma Longee, she was the ninth child in a family of ten children. Five brothers Lenord, Charles, Frank, Bob and Mike and four sisters Lillian, Pearl, Rosemary and Mazie.
She attended school on Frazer, Poplar and Oswego country school, Missoula where her artistic talent was recognized, she also attended Dillon Beaverhead Country School. Finally her sister Lillian began to look into another school for her to attend, she would try to get into American Indian Art school since she had some talent she sent in her application to the Institute of American Indian Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico and was accepted even though it’s a highly competitive boarding school to het into.
Her dream was to go to Fashion Design School, she never graduated. She didn’t pursue her dream of becoming a Fashion Designer. In the summer of 1963 she met David’s dad, she later moved to Missoula when David was 7 months old to go to Beauty school. She lived with her oldest sister Lillian and her husband Gene. One Friday she went out with her girlfriends and met Jim Hoover, soon after they thought they’d get married. In 1966 she became pregnant with her son Leo and two years later in 1968 had a daughter Colleen.
When Colleen was in kindergarten Janice took classes at Missoula Vocational Tech and got her GED. She took a class of Clerical Training and got a job at the University of Montana in the Admissions and Records Department. She signed up for College at the University of Montana and graduated with a BA in Sociology, in 1981 she then moved to Poplar and got a job at Fort Peck Community College as an instructor, she taught typing and short hand. Shortly after starting work at FPCC she met Steve Collins and turned into a long lasting marriage.
Janice worked at various jobs throughout the years. Such as instructor, secretary, social service rep., but found she liked working as a counselor the best because of her own problems and wanting to be able to help someone else who might feel like giving up. She knew what it felt like to have problems and to just want peace of mind, but she did have some pretty good counselors and other helpers who have been there for her at the time she needed them. They managed to teach her how to cope with life and to keep trying to grow as a person.
Janice loved people, especially children, she loved to be with her granddaughters and adored her great grandchildren, always trying to help or just show them that she loved them. She enjoyed working on crafts, traveling and always learning.
Janice is survived by her daughter Colleen; sons David and Leo and brother Mike Smith of Denver, CO.
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
6:00 p.m.
Thursday March 23, 2017
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
425 6th Ave North
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday March 24, 2017
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
425 6th Ave North
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
6:00 p.m.
Thursday March 23, 2017
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
425 6th Ave North
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday March 24, 2017
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
425 6th Ave North
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Pauline Azure-Feuvray says
We are sorry to hear of Janice’s passing. Her family in the spirit world will welcome her and ask how everyone is doing on earth. God bless you all.
Patty Pipe says
So sorry to hear of Janice’s passing. May God bless your family during this time.
Bob & Terry McAnally says
I am so sorry to hear of Janice’s passing. She was my friend. May the Creator wrap loving, caring arms around all of her family and friends as you all move through this difficult time.
Terry Lindsay-Barron says
My deepest condolences to the family of Janice. She was a very sweet person and a good friend. I enjoyed visiting with her when we met up at the same place. Rest in peace Janice, I will miss you!
Patt Iron Cloud and Matt Runs Through says
This is a sad day today to see the passing of my Sister in the Gospel of Jesus Christ has crossed over to the land of our relatives. I love you dearest Janice and I will pray that the Eagles will carry your beautiful spirit gently to Heavens Gates. You have some beautiful children who will miss you always….love to them and all your relatives. We will see you again dear Sister… hugs, Patt and Matt
MaryAnn Wetsit says
RIP Janice We will miss you. Prayers to the family… Dolly Stark said she will always miss her Oswego buddy!!! Love you my friend..
Kevin and Vicky Schindler says
So very sorry to hear. My prayers go out to you all during this most difficult time.
Roxann Smith says
So sorry to hear about Janice’s journey to the spirit world. I had the pleasure of working with her at FPCC. She was always very good to people. A gentle soul who will be missed by all her friends and relatives. PRayers and Condolences to all.
Rhonda Kirn Johnson says
Sorry to hear of Janice passing. So pleasant to visit, always good words speak and comfort a soul. I will miss her very much. I pray her children are comforted to know their mother is in restful peace with our Lord.
Jonny BearCub Stiffarm says
May her journey to Paradise be filled with joy and the memories she leaves behind a balm to our sorrow at her passing and leaving those of us on Earth. She was always smiling and so friendly, she will be missed.
Gay & Brian Pennington says
You have my Deepest Sympathy for the loss of Janice. I got to know her when she order Avon from me when I lived in Poplar and was Gay Paulson, Janice always had a smile on her. You all have my Condolence and God be with you all. Colleen may God comfort you. I’ve enjoy knowing Janice.