Janet York Sandefer, 82

Janet York Sandefer, 82, of Columbia Falls, passed away peacefully at Brendan House with family at her side on Feb. 18, 2021.

Janet was born in Plentywood, Montana, to Lynn and Viola York on April 22,1938. Janet's brother Eddy soon followed.

She met Bryant Sandefer who was working in the oilfields around Plentywood and they were married in 1954. They returned to his home state Texas where he continued to work in the oilfields and they started their family. They were blessed with three boys within three years, Lynn, Gary and Mike. In 1964 they moved to Columbia Falls. They soon bought a property on the Flathead River by the Old Red Bridge where they were able to raise horses. Janet loved horses and at one time they had 13 horses. She and Bryant were very involved in the Rocky Mountain Riders Saddle Club and were participants in O-Mok-See events across the state.

Janet worked at several restaurants during that time but her favorite was Frenchies Chinese Gardens where her mother also worked. Bryant and Janet divorced in 1978 and she moved to Yakima, Washington, to attend school. After graduating, she returned to Columbia Falls and started building a home on Middle Road.

Looking for some adventure, she moved to Fairbanks, Alaska. There she worked at the Sunset Bar and Grill for four years. She then returned to Columbia Falls and began working at the Montana Veterans Home where she enjoyed her work for 14 years as a certified nurse assistant until retiring. During retirement she enjoyed working in her yard and reading. She attended Our Redeemer Lutheran Church where she made a great number of friends.

Janet was preceded in death by her mother, father, brother and grandson.

She is survived by sons, Lynn Sandefer (Joan), Gary Sandefer (Pat), and Mike Sandefer (Laura), all of Columbia Falls. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life is currently pending summer 2021.

Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is caring for the family.