Lori Jane Jans

Lori Jane Jans, age 57, passed away on May 1, 2022, in Billings, Montana, after a courageous, 10-year encounter with Parkinson’s disease. Lori was born on Aug. 13, 1964, in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Velman and Berniece Wester. She graduated from Bismarck High School in 1982 and from Bismarck Junior College in 1984 with an associate degree in accounting. She married Stephen Jans on Feb. 22, 1986, in the Bismarck Reformed Church. They subsequently moved to Montana, where they lived in Missoula, Great Falls, and Billings.

Lori was a compassionate caregiver. She worked for many years as a personal care attendant for senior citizens. Her clients loved her kind, attentive, personal touch. Lori was a gifted letter writer. Her annual Christmas letters were packed with humor and always a joy to read. She had an optimistic perspective on life no matter the circumstances. Lori spoiled her pet cats and dogs with an extra special love. They were her children. Lori had a keen interest in family history, vintage postcards, inspirational quotes, decorating for holidays, and sharing photographs with family and friends. She enjoyed accompanying her husband on countless outings to photograph the beauty of nature, animals, birds, and historical settings.

Lori was preceded in death by her father, Velman Wester; her oldest brother, Robert Webster; and her grandparents, Henry and Katie Wester and Edd and Mary Van Beek. She is survived by her husband, Stephen Jans; mother, Berniece Wester; siblings, Mary Talbacka, Sharon Mehrer, and Randy Wester; and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Lori’s favorite song is What a Wonderful World. It’s very fitting. Lori made the world more wonderful for everyone who was blessed to have a relationship with her.