Jan Laurie Wallace

Jan Laurie Wallace passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 8. She was born in Los Angeles in 1946 to parents, Bruce and Alice Baumeister.

Jan graduated from Marymount High School in Rancho Palos Verdes and the University of California-Santa Barbara. She then served in the Peace Corps in Malaysia. Upon returning to the U.S., she taught sixth grade and physical education in the Glendale school system and then became administrator at Palos Verdes High School, which later became Peninsula High School. She then was principal at Hermosa Valley School, where she met her husband, Jim Wallace on a “blind date.” Married for 22 years, their time together was special. She then became principal of Absarokee Elementary School until she and Jim moved to Sheridan, Mont., eight years ago. She loved life there: their home, their horses, and the people in the Ruby Valley community.

Among her many interests, Jan loved to travel and be with the people she loved. She loved the arts, especially theater. Reading gave her a lot of pleasure and she belonged to two book clubs, one in California and the other in Billings, Mont.

The expression “Carpe Diem” describes Jan perfectly. She lived life to the fullest. Jan was a kind and generous person who always put others before herself. She was a quiet philanthropist whose generosity was felt by many. She never wanted the recognition but instinctively knew what others needed. She unknowingly taught us how to live life and face death with courage and dignity. The world is a better place because of Jan.

Jan is survived by her husband, Jim; sister, Susie Tarlow (Kenny); nephew, Kameron Tarlow; stepson, Brian Hillger (Vlasta); and stepdaughter, Wendy Hillger (Tara Giles).

A heartfelt thank you to the staffs at Tobacco Root Mountain Care Center and Ruby Valley Hospital in Sheridan, Mont., for the compassionate care Jan received.

A celebration of Jan’s life will be held in the summer. In lieu of flowers, if you so desire, donations can be made to the Mother Lode Performing Arts Theater, 316 W. Park St., Butte, MT 59701.