Janet E. (Charles) Small Bolton, 83

Janet "Jan" Evelyn Bolton, 83, formerly of Kalispell, passed away June 21, 2008, after a brave battle with rheumatoid arthritis in Tallahassee, Fla., with daughter Sharon and family beside her.

Janet was born Oct. 9, 1924, in Cleveland to Dwight M. and C. Virginia Charles. She attended school in Cleveland, graduating in 1942. Summers, growing up, she spent with her grandparents in her beloved Stowe, Vt. Janet attended Huron Road Hospital School of Nursing, enlisting in the U.S. Navy Waves in May 1945. She earned the rank of Hospital Corpsman First Class, leaving the Waves in 1946.

Janet married J. Milton Small of Kalispell in 1946. They made their home in Kalispell, raising their children, David, Sharon and Lynette, on the family potato farm. They divorced in 1961. Janet, with her daughters, moved to Cleveland, marrying Donald G. Bolton in 1963, divorcing after a couple of years.

Janet worked and raised her daughters in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. After their graduation she lived close to her children, eventually settling in Kalispell by daughter Lynette, and enjoyed helping raise her grandchildren. Jan moved to Tallahassee in 2006, by daughter Sharon.

Janet was a life member of the First Presbyterian Church and secretary of Flathead Shrine Circus for 15 years. She was a dedicated 50-year member of each of the following: Adah Chapter No. 17, OES and a Past Matron; Chief Ignace Chapter, DAR and Daughters of the Nile. She was past president of all the Past Matron's clubs where she lived.

Jan's love of gardening and her flowers were surpassed only by her love for her family. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy. Mom was our genealogist, tirelessly researching our family history. Her genealogy "story" will be preserved in the Historical Society in Stowe. She taught us to appreciate the beauty of our world and the heritage we came from.

Her friends and family always will remember her smile and delightful laugh, bright red clothes, African violets, handmade dishcloths, Christmas fudge and famous clam dip. She touched many lives, giving of herself and her time. Mom loved life and she truly will be missed and always loved. "Take care of God's garden now, Mom."

Janet was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her three children, Dr. David Small and Debbie, of Springfield, Mo., Sharon Graham and Larry, of Tallahassee, and Lynette Thomas and Bob, of Kalispell; grandchildren, Jim Small and Jeana, of Reno, Nev.; Amber Hernandez and Julian, Heather Mudd and Keith, Erin Graham and Duncan Graham, all of Tallahassee; and Brooke Logan and Justin, Kyle Thomas and Colby Thomas and Erin, all of Helena; great-grandchildren, Quinn and Josiah; also sister, Marjorie Brainard, and Cliff; brother, Dean Charles, and Joyce; along with many relatives and friends.

A celebration of Janet will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at the First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Marvin Northcutt officiating. Graveside services will be held prior to the service at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at Glacier Memorial Gardens, with OES services. In Janet's honor, please wear bright colors.

The family suggests memorials to: Chief Ignace DAR Scholarship, 113 Fairway Blvd., Kalispell; ESTARL of OES, c/o Doris Anderson, 824 Eighth Ave. E., Kalispell; or MSU Bozeman College of Engineering Scholarship Fund.