'Janie' Dolores Jane Gillin, 81
Janie Gillin, 81, born Dec. 13, 1936, passed away “into the arms of her heavenly Father” Dec. 13, 2017, surrounded by her children in the comfort of her own home. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister. Preceded in death by her mother, Eva Scott; father, Lolon C. Timmons and his wife Juanita Timmons; and her childrens father James Gillin. She was survived by her children: Debbie Fuller, husband Dave Fuller, Kathleen Rawlings, Ken Gillin, and Jackie Gillin, with Joe Heil. Grandchildren: Tesa O’Brien, with Clyde Wertz, Victor “Allen” Smith Jr., April “Rene” Smith, with Lucas Richard, and Roger Vargas. Great-grandchildren: Triniti, Jayden, Arissa, and Talia. Sisters: Mildred Blackman, Lois Galvan, Rose Clark, and Pila Aleman. Brothers: W.C. Timmons, L.C. Mackey/Timmons, Ernie Timmons, Dave Timmons, and Bobbie Timmons.
Janie was born in Pharr, Texas and was the oldest of nine siblings. Like many girls at that time, she was married at 16 and left home to start her own family. She had a love for bowling, golfing, and gardening at this time in her life, and passionately traveled the world including Greece, Japan, Mexico, Canada, and all over the United States.
She then settled in Kalispell, where she raised her four children and worked for Hennessey Steak House for 38 years (later known as the Outlaw Inn.) She took pride in giving great service to everyone and enjoyed her late night cards (where she won a lot of money), dancing, music and most of all her friends. Janie could make a friend out of a complete stranger, bringing them home for a place to stay and a warm meal. Her passion for cooking was cherished by all. With work, raising children and living her own life to the fullest, she didn’t have much time to spend with her siblings. She wrote home often, keeping them all aware of her accomplishments and loved each of them dearly.
Janie adored her grandchildren and taught them many of her special qualities, from crafting, to cooking, her jokes (the good ones and the naughty ones), love for music, and all that came with her favorite holidays. She and her friend Martha spent countless hours making holiday crafts to gift and share. Most of all she was a jokester at heart, always sharing them in her cards, letters, by phone, and at every social event. She had a smile for everyone that crossed her path.
She retired and moved into the Elms apartment 12 years ago where she continued to develop many more hidden talents such as drawing and painting. She shared her holiday spirit throughout the hallways at The Elms, spreading the love and joy. She made many more dear friends and enjoyed their potluck dinners and games. They became her extended family. Jim and the Elms family enriched her life right up to the time she went home, which our family is so grateful for.
Janie was deeply loved by her family and friends. She had a soul that was beautiful both inside and out, accepting of everyone. She will be missed by all that knew her.
We will always be thankful for this incredibly special woman who loved us at our best and at our worst. Thank you mom for being a wonderful warm-hearted woman!
A celebration of life will be held at the Outlaw Inn dining room Wednesday, Dec. 20 at noon. In lieu of flowers please donate to American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association.