Jan Ridley passed away peacefully on November 19, 2020 with her loved ones surrounding her at Deer Lodge Medical Center, Deer Lodge Montana. Jan was 73 years old. Jan was born on February 22, 1947 in Billings MT to Gerald and Rosalin Neeley. After her father’s death, she was raised by her step-father Woody Frailey and her mother. Jan grew up in Anaconda MT the oldest of four children. She graduated in 1965.
After high school, she met the love of her life Noel Ridley and married on August 6, 1966 in Missoula MT. Soon after they had four children. Noel passed in 1985 and she proceeded to raise her four children on her own. Jan worked for Montana State Prison for 20 years doing payroll for the staff of the prison. She later worked for the Title and Registration office before retiring.
Jan was known to all to be one of the nicest people who always lent a helping hand to anyone and never asked for anything in return. Jan spent many years in bowling leagues, gardening, canning, crocheting, enjoying her books, and was an avid movie lover especially of John Wayne Westerns.
Jan was preceded in death by her husband Noel Ridley, her son Scott Ridley, and parents Woody Frailey, Gerald Neeley, and Rosalin Loesch. Jan is survived by her sons, Keith Ridley of Helena, Matt and Lisa Ridley of Tigard OR, and daughter Melinda and Linn Feliciano of Three Forks MT, and one granddaughter Hannah Feliciano of Bozeman MT. Her brothers Blaine Neeley and Tim and Regina Frailey, and sister Hazel and Kyle Crouch. Jan is also survived by special friends John Johnson of Deer Lodge, and Wendy Allen of Cutbank MT.
The family would like to thank Deer Lodge Medical Center for their outstanding care of our mother during this time. We appreciate your kindness to our mother and to us.
Due to Covid Restrictions Funeral Services will be in the spring 2021.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 1pm on Sunday, May 16th at The Pen in Deer Lodge. A coffee and cookie reception will be held from 2-3pm following the service. Jan will be laid to rest during a private service at Hillcrest Cemetery. Please visit www.buttefuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Jan.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Jan. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Jan and her family.
Sheryl Nelson Driver says
I met Janice in high school in Anaconda. We were good friends. Before graduation I moved away and we didn’t stay in contact. I have thought of her many times. She was such a nice person. Some how I found out Janice lived in Deer Lodge and what her last name was. I probably found out about Janice from a person we both knew that worked at the prison with her. Still I didn’t contact her. I was busy raising 4 children also. Now I’ve learned that ancient lesson; don’t put off until tomorrow what can be done today. Now it’s too late and I really regret not contacting Janice years ago. I will sadly miss her and so will her classmates of Anaconda High School Class of 1965.
I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences, I’m praying for Janice’s family to find peace and comfort during this sad time.