JAN ROOT

JAN ROOT
APRIL 10, 1935 - DECEMBER 16, 2023
Las Vegas, NM - Jan Root (Jeanette Ruth Montgomery Root) peacefully passed away on December 16, 2023, at home with family. Born in Amarillo, TX, Jan grew up primarily in Las Vegas, NM, graduated from Robertson High School, then earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in chemistry and mathematics from New Mexico Highlands University.
Jan taught chemistry at the University of Illinois before returning to New Mexico to teach math in the Santa Fe, Mountainair, and Española public schools. She was well loved and respected by her students. Jan had many interests and an unquenchable thirst for learning.
She cherished Christian fellowship, nature, oil painting, and her family. From 1969-2013, she and her late husband, Mel, owned and operated Western Life Camp, a beloved kids' summer sleep-away camp. Their influence left lasting, positive impacts on those who attended.
Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Anna Mae Montgomery, and her husband, Mel.
She is survived by her brothers Dan Montgomery of Austin, TX, his daughter Kimberly Rogers and her husband John, and their children Jack, Lincoln, and Maggie of Kingsburg, CA? and Ted Montgomery of Las Vegas, NM? her children Annette Haggard and her husband Eric and son Joshua of Las Vegas, NM, Mary Kay Root and her husband Martin Brown of Santa Fe, NM, and Mike Root and his child Bella of Santa Fe.
A public viewing will be held at Rivera Funeral Home in Santa Fe on Sunday, January 7th, 2024, from 5 - 7 p.m. Please join us as we celebrate her remarkable life.