Janice Inge Elvsaas, 93, Froid, MT

Janice Inge Elvsaas, a true pioneer Froid resident, passed away March 1, 2015 at the Sheridan Memorial Hospital after a very brief stay. Janice was born July 29, 1921 at the family home east of Froid to Nels I. and Clara Nelsen. Janice attended rural schools through the eighth grade and graduated from Froid High School in 1940. Janice was unique even then, as many rural students could not attend high school; but she was determined to get a high school education so she cleaned for room and board and worked various jobs in Froid. Janice married Art Elvsaas on June 5, 1941 and they moved a granary to the location where the original Elvsaas homestead was located. Art and Janice slowly made the humble abode livable, as she put her precise touch to everything. A neighbor once said that even though Janice had just returned from milking, slopping the pigs, and picking eggs, she still looked neat as a pin and well dressed! She and Art moved into their newly built home with their two children in 1957, and she always said that was the happiest day of her life. Of course, the house was designed to her specifications and always well maintained. Although sometimes impressing people as being somewhat brusque and negative, to those who truly knew her, she was very kind and caring. Janice was an avid gardener and took great pride in her produce and beautiful flowers and trees. She said her most serene moments were spent tending her garden in the early morning sun and listening to numerous birds singing. Janice was an accomplished, self-taught seamstress and once again, her perfectionist characteristic showed to anyone who viewed her work. Her hardanger and cross-stitch pieces that she gave to people are cherished by many. During a time when people didn't venture to town often, Janice always had her hair set weekly at the Froid Beauty Shop. She spent many years playing penny poker with her "poker ladies" and enjoyed this getaway and relaxation. Janice was always concerned about her grandchildren and always wanted the best for them. In recent years, her great-grandchildren brought her much joy and love. Janice was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Art, her daughter Laura, brothers Delbert, Clayton (Bud), and Alton. Also preceding her were sisters Evelyn (Abby), Donna, and an infant. She is survived by a son Donn (Rosann) Elvsaas of Froid, a sister, Gayle (Don) Ferderer of Sundance WY. Also surviving are 4 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, Juli (Dan Patton) Naylor and daughter Laramie of Newcastle, WY; Shawn (Melissa) Elvsaas, and children Makaylee and Addison of Froid; Craig Elvsaas of Billings; Erica (Jason) Anderson, and children Macie and Buckley of Froid. As strongly requested by Janice, cremation has taken place with no services being held. Please remember Janice as an earnest, caring person who will be surely missed. Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood has charge of arrangements: Read and print the obituary, post remembrances, and send cards and flowers online at http://www.fulkersonsplentywood.com.