Jan Roat

Janice Wyone Roat, born August 4, 1939, in Laurens, Iowa, to Minnie and Laurence Gray, passed away at home in her sleep; peacefully entering into Heaven on August 27, 2025. After her parents' divorce, her mother later married Jessie Straw, who lovingly raised Jan as his own daughter.
Jan grew up in a large family with many siblings, both full and half, who filled her life with love and laughter. She was led to Heaven by her beloved husband of 61 years, James (Jim) Roat, her parents, her best friend Lorna, and several brothers and sisters.
She is survived by her children, Pete (Ana-Maria), Daniel (Ida; Birdie – deceased), and Paula (Stuart –divorced). Her legacy continues through seven grandchildren-Rebekah (John), Pete Jr. (Sarah), Kari, Shannon, Brianna, Jasmine (fiancé Skyler), Cody (Jazmyn), and Logan -and eight great-grandchildren: Regan, Hazel, Johnny, Cillian, Ronan, Collin, Rylee, and Juniper.
Jan's heart was big enough to claim many as family. Among those closest were Mike and Shari with their children Benjamin and Meagen, her "son" Steve, and countless others who were blessed by her love and kindness.
Jan lived a full and hardworking life. Her primary devotion was to her family and ranch life alongside Jim on the Roat Ranch in Red Lodge, Montana, where they raised sheep, cattle, and hay. The ranch was her happy place-if it involved the outdoors, Jan was in her element. Throughout her life, she also took on many roles: digging and selling fish worms, mowing lawns, cleaning the radio station, serving as head housekeeper at the Pollard Hotel, working as a journalist and photographer for The Beartooth Weekly, assisting with the census bureau, and handling administration for golf course condos. The last nine and a half years of her life she enjoyed connecting with her friends and community working at the Chuck Wagon Café.
A gifted writer and photographer, Jan's work appeared in Country Magazine, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and many other publications. Her beloved weekly column, West Bench Meanderings, was a staple in The Beartooth Weekly, and after moving to Grass Range in 1998, she continued writing as a guest contributor with Pine Ridge Ramblings in the Lewistown News-Argus.
Beyond her work, Jan found joy in life's simple pleasures: reading, writing, hiking, dancing, skiing, hunting rocks, playing games, and sharing conversations over coffee or hot chocolate.
When her dear friend Lorna passed away, Jan wrote these words: " now you've gone on ahead, around a curve, temporarily out of sight and hearing."
Those words now serve as a fitting farewell for Jan herself-gone from sight, but forever present in the hearts of all who loved her.
Graveside Services will be held at the Grass Range Cemetery, Saturday, September 6, 2025, 4:00 p.m. Memorial donations can be made to Grass Range Ambulance, Grass Range Fire, Tough Enough to Wear Pink, or to the Grass Range Methodist Church.
Arrangements are under the care of Creel Funeral Home. Jan's family and friends can share memories and condolences at www.creelfuneralhome.com