Janice Knudsen
Janice Eileen Knudsen, 87, of Helena, formerly of Bainville, died Sept. 25, 2023, in Helena.
She was born July 3, 1936, in Williston, N.D., to William and Gladys Harmon of Bainville, the seventh of 11 children. She graduated from Bainville School in 1954, marrying Wayne Knudsen of Mc-Cabe Sept. 22, 1954.
In 1957, they moved just west of Bainville where they resided until his death.
She was more than a stayat- home mom. Early in their marriage, Wayne asked if she wanted him to have a hired man or if she wanted the job. Remembering her parents’ hired men, she elected to become Wayne’s hired man — and took on all book-work involved in their farming and ranching business as well. When they moved to registered Angus, her friendliness and memory for names helped their success.
Faith was first in her life, leading her to give to others and her community. She participated in Homemaker’s Club, Sweet Adelines, Bainville Community Club, led the local 4-H club, served on the Bainville School board, was elected Auxiliary president of the Montana Angus Association and was active in her church. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of McCabe, then the Big Sky Church of Froid and attended the Storehouse Ministry Center in Bainville.
Family was her third love behind Jesus and her husband, Wayne. Her home became the center of family gatherings.
After retirement, travel destinations included Alaska, a Caribbean cruise, camping in southwestern United States and trips to see far flung family members.
After Wayne’s death, she moved to Clancy with daughter Renee. She never lost her love of travel and adventure, continuing to camp, travel and even ride motorcycle. She reunited with her sister Rita in western Montana, eventually moving with her into an assisted living apartment.
Sh is survived by her children, Renee Rasmussen of Clancy, Miles Knudsen of Culbertson, Gwen Bolstad of Homestead and Neil Knudsen of Bainville; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sisters, Rita Booth and Myrna Goodwin; and brother, David Harmon.
She was also preceded in death by grandson, Jake Bolstad; and siblings, Edith Benson, Emma Jo Krause, Loren Harmon, Virda Klindworth, Agatha Rhode, Carter Harmon, Nolan Harmon.
A memorial service was held Monday, Oct. 16, at the Storehouse Ministry Center. Burial followed at the Storehouse Ministry Center.
