Janet Kirk Talbott

1941 - 2024

Janet Kirk (Gietz) Talbott 1941- 2024 Janet Talbott was called to join her Lord on February 3, 2024 after 83 wonderful years of life in Wyoming. She was born to Robert and Bessie Gietz on January 23, 1941 on their ranch on the Little Laramie River. She was the youngest of four children. She attended school at Millbrook and Harmony country schools, as her family moved through the Big and Little Laramie River valleys. She attended high school in Laramie living with family friends and graduated in 1958.

She married the love of her life, best friend, and dance partner James F. Talbott on April 19, 1959. They began their lives together in Laramie with a brief stint in Colorado where Jim worked on several prominent sheep ranches while showing and fitting breeding sheep throughout the United States. They returned to the Talbott family ranch in 1964 where they raised their 5 children. They were dedicated to the raising of the Brae Arden Hereford cattle which they took over from her father Robert Gietz. They became some of the most progressive breeders of club calves and commercial cattle competing in, and winning some of the most prestigious cattle shows in the country. She enjoyed working side by side with her husband fitting and showing club calves all across the United States.

They dedicated their lives to their family and community both being very active in community functions and supporting the youth of Albany County. They were recognized as outstanding 4-H leaders in 1985. She assisted her husband in coaching numerous nationally ranked 4-H livestock judging teams. Their love of family and others was evident to all who knew them. Many outside of the family considered her a mother, a aunt or an excellent friend and role model.

Her dedication to the cattle industry, agriculture and love of the Laramie Plains, was evident to all. Her passion and dedication earned her the Ranch Woman of the Year for Albany County in 2003. She was active in the Albany County Cattle Women and received the Charter Member Status demonstrating her dedication to the cattle industry. Until just prior to her passing she presented the "Thought for the Day" at the monthly Cattle Women meetings.

She was awarded the "Heart of Agriculture Award" in 2021 from the Wyoming Department of Agriculture at a ceremony at the Wyoming State Fair. She loved Wyoming, she loved her cattle and agriculture, she loved to watch the newly branded crop of calves run into the spring pasture. She was all that Wyoming is, or ever will be.

Her dedication to the breeding and showing of quality cattle was evident when she won her most coveted award, the "Jim Talbott Memorial Award" at the 2008 Wyoming State Fair. An award presented to the exhibitor of the champion club calf.

Her faith was evident every Sunday when she attended Trinity Lutheran Church, where her and the love of her life were united in holy matrimony. She attended services and bible study faithfully for 64 years.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, her siblings and her husband of 45 years.

She is survived by her 5 children, Jay (Glenna) Talbott, Scott Talbott, Amy (Bill) Clay, Cody Talbott (Heather Bailey) and Betsy (Tad) DeBolt, her grandchildren Jaymes Talbott, Payden Talbott, Luke Talbott, Burk (Heather) DeBolt, Meg DeBolt (Cameron Weigle) and one great grandson Quincy, numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church.

In the lieu of flowers donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Albany County Cattle Women, and/or Hospice of Laramie.