Janice Handsaker

Janice Handsaker

BILLINGS - Janice Handsaker was born January 18, 1946, in Yakima, WA to Walter and Genevieve Herman. She passed away on January 12, 2024, at home with her husband Larry and children near her side. After a successful seven-year fight with lung cancer, she passed as a result of esophageal cancer. She was truly a special person, loved dearly by her family and many close friends. She was an extraordinary gardener, avid reader, collector of antiques, cook, baker and a true "home-maker." Her cream pies were a specialty enjoyed by many. Her cozy, inviting home and her splendid flower garden have always shown how amazing she was.

Janice loved her family, and oh how they loved her back - her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life. She loved her dear friends, and the friends she made at her Bible studies. She belonged to the American Lutheran Church and was an employee of Smith's Chapel West for 18 years.

She also worked at Walden Books and was a partner alongside her husband at Morgan's Market, which was named after her first granddaughter. There she worked beside her daughter Jennifer, creating many delicious foods, and with her son Joshua, the master baker. Her daughter Heidi was also an inspiration to Janice through her special prayers and devotions.

Janice's granddaughters Karli and Elli were fortunate to be influenced by their Nana as well as their mother Jennifer, in helping them to become outstanding young women, spouses, bakers, cooks, and gardeners. Her grandson Peyton also had Nana's love to help him become the kind and bright young man he is.

Janice is survived by husband and greatest admirer Larry, son Josh of Billings, daughter Jennifer (Scott Hanel) of Charleston, S.C., daughter Heidi of Billings, grand-daughters Karli Bies (Jerred) of Billings, Elli Funyak (Zach) of Billings, grandson Peyton of Billings and great-grandchildren Hudson and Nora, her brightest lights.

She is also survived by her sisters, Debi (KC) and Cathy, brothers-in-law Bill and David Handsaker of Bozeman and sister-in-law Nancy Willaims (Alan) of Bozeman. As well as several nieces and nephews.

Rather than a funeral service, Janice asked for a simple celebration of life with her family and close friends in her flower garden. This will be celebrated in the Spring, when her many wonderful roses and flowers will be in full splendor - reminiscent of her beauty, for all to take in.

She also requested that instead of flowers given in her memory, donations may be sent to Help for Homeless Pets (helpforhomelesspets.org) or the Yellowstone Animal Shelter (yvas.org).