Janie Blakely

Janie Blakely, 65, passed away peacefully at St. Patrick Hospital on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2013.

Janie was born Nov. 6, 1947, in Townsend to Robert and Ruth Blakely. The Blakely family moved to Missoula in 1956 when Janie was 9; she would later graduate from Sentinel High School. She earned her teaching degree from the University of Montana and starting working in Alberton as an elementary teacher, P.E. teacher and art teacher for 26 years before retiring. Besides her career, her whole world revolved around her daughter Shae, her horses and rodeo. Janie started riding at a very young age; it took her all over the country at all levels, including the Little Britches Finals, multiple qualifications to the National High School Rodeo Finals in many events, college rodeo, amateur rodeo and professional rodeo while she was part of the Women's Professional Rodeo Association. Janie was eager to share all of her experience with her daughter and was an excellent coach in the process.

She was an avid seamstress, from clothing to equine-related outdoor gear. Janie was also a talented artist; doing pen and inks were her favorite. She enjoyed gardening, being on her tractor, helping Shae with the horses and taking care of all the animals.

Janie is survived by her daughter, Shae Blakely Cole of Missoula; and Sig (Linda) Scarland of Missoula and Judi Reynolds of Helena, both whom she considered family. She was preceded in death by her father, mother and sister, Roberta "Bobbie" Ruth Warburton.

A memorial will be held in the spring and will be announced.

Read Janie Blakely's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.