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Janine "Jan" Smith Halstead

Dec. 22, 1944 - Mar. 22, 2025

Date of Service: Mar. 28, 2025

Service Program

BURLEY - On March 22, 2025, Janine “Jan” Smith Halstead passed away at St. Luke’s Magic Valley Regional Medical Center in Twin Falls, surrounded by her family that loved her to the moon and back, maybe more like infinity and beyond.

Jan was born Dec. 22, 1944, in Soda Springs Idaho, to Rufus “Dick” and Dora Allsop Smith, joining her with her sister Karen “Sue” on the family farm in Grace, Idaho. Janine “Jan” graduated from Grace High School and then continued her education at Utah State in Logan, Utah. This is where she met the love of her life Ed “Butch” Halstead in a psychology class. Their first date was at the Blue Bird for coffee, they remained best friends and companions for 60 years. We can all hope for a love story as strong as theirs.

Jan and Ed were married on December 18, 1964, in Grace, Idaho. After their marriage, Ed headed to Boot Camp and Jan moved to California living with some of Ed’s relatives the Carthews. Once Ed finished Boot Camp they moved to Colorado Springs, until his overseas deployment. Once Ed/Butch was discharged from the Army they returned to Duckwater where they lived and worked on Ed’s family ranch. They welcomed their daughter Amie Sue Halstead in 1971 and later Emily Jean Halstead -Patterson in 1975.

Soon after moving to Duckwater, Jan along with Marcia Gardner started teaching dance in Duckwater and Ely, although she and Marcia stopped teaching in Ely, Jan continued to teach in Duckwater and was instrumental in many Christmas and Spring productions at the Duckwater Grade School, along with helping many of the kids with various talent shows throughout the area.

Although Jan was always a mother first after her kids were born, she was also Ed’s main hired hand helping him feed in the winter, hauled water to the cows in the flat and was the only one besides him on the ranch who ran the swather in the summers, being an open cab swather she always had a nice tan in the summer. Jan had several jobs while in Duckwater, delivering mail, waiting tables at Current Creek, working for a survey crew, cleaning the school, and was a teacher’s aide working with her sister-in-law, Edna Forsgren.

The 80’s were tough on ranching families and in 1988 the ranch was divided and Ed, Jan and the girls left, moving to Ely as Amie finished High School. Jan went to work at the Great Basin College where she had taken classes to receive her associates degree, she became the coordinator for the Great Basin College Ely Branch. She excelled at this job and enjoyed so much encouraging folks of all ages to get their degree in different fields, or to just come take classes.

In 1991 Ed and Jan purchased the Burley Livestock Commission, Jan and Emily stayed in Ely until school ended in 1992 and again Jan was one of Ed’s main hired hands, when they sold the sale yard. Jan continued working at different places including the Golden Goose, The Up to Top Sandwich Shop, Recollections and Cowboy Tom’s Pancakes. These opportunities allowed her to foster close friendships with many ladies that she was able to go on many adventures with.

Although not excited as she felt she was too young in her mind at the time Jan loved being a grandma to Wytt and later Judd. She and Grandpa traveled to all Wytt’s Football games and wrestling tournaments throughout his high school career and continued to attend to support him as he started coaching both football and wrestling once he started teaching. She was always so excited to go to the fair to watch Judd show a lamb or a steer, and the first one to call to see how his shooting events had gone.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Dick and Dora Smith; her sisters, Genee and Karen “Sue”; her aunt’s, AKA the Dolly sisters, Della, Afton, Mady, and Eva; special cousin, Diane Lloyd, one brother-in-law, Alan Forsgren; along with numerous aunts and uncles from both sides of her family; and special friends, Nancy Ketterling, Pam Denton, and Johnny Williams.

She is survived by her husband, Ed; daughters, Amie and Emily; grandsons, Wytt Bedke and Judd Cofer; a special adopted daughter, Brenda Fries; her nieces, Robli (Jeff) Kennedy, Cami (Kyle) Roberts; her nephew, Blaine (LaDean) Andrease; her special cousins, Mark (Bonnie) Gibbs, Sidney Makoff, Evie, Sandra and Eldean; a special group of ladies Mary Kay Garro, Charlotte Armstrong, Susan Berlin, Bev Harmon, Jody, Marcia and Dee Horton.

Through all of Mom’s trials she never complained and always lived life to the fullest. Although our hearts are breaking we know you are with us and that we will see you again.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 until 7p.m. Friday, March 28, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 East 16th street, in Burley.

Condolences for Janine "Jan" Smith Halstead

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Evelyn Twiss:

Evelyn Twiss and Sheila Whitworth are cousins of Janine. We looked forward to Janine and Ed coming to Grace for reunions at Afton's house at Memorial Day and potato harvests. We enjoyed political discussions and high school memories. Janine was one smart classy lady and she and Ed were a fun couple dedicated to their kids and family togetherness. They catered many delicious outdoor occasions for our families! They are loved and she will be missed. I am so grateful to have shared great times with the Halsteads. May you be comforted in your loss.

From Brenda Corbett Lowe :

I enjoyed the very nice picture of Janine. She has been my dear friend since we were six years old and starting to grow up in Grace. I will miss her. I have a regret that I had not seen Janine since John Williams' Memorial. I only have many warm, clear and happy memories of Janine and her "basement Party Room." I know that Ed will be strong. God speed. Brenda Corbett Lowe

From Jennifer Harral:

All my love to you and your sweet family, Emily. I love all the stories about your mama that you share, and look forward to hearing more of them any time you feel like remembering her out loud.

From Lynn Schodde:

Ed, I'm sorry to hear about Jan's passing, she was a great lady. I enjoyed the time when Rosanne and I lived next to you and Jan in Burley. We had some good times together.

From Sharon Taylor McLing:

I’m so sorry to hear of Jan’s passing. Such a classy lady and friend. I find myself happily remembering growing up in Grace, the Allsop Sisters coming into the Spudnut Shop and having such fun conversations, Johnny and Janine sitting with me at the end of the counter and chatting when I was working and the fun slumber parties we had. It was wonderful time in a beautiful valley full of good people. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

From Brandi Bauscher:

So sorry, I know she was a very special person. Thinking of you during this very hard time.

From Lon & Dana Larsen :

So very sorry to hear the passing of such a great lady. Our condolences to a special family.

From Sharon Tellei Remoket:

My deepest condolences to the family. Mom Jan was a wonderful mother to have away from home. I cannot remember a time during my stay that I ever felt homesick and wanted to go back to the islands. She will surely be missed. I really wanted to bring my daughter named after her to visit after she graduated from high school, but God has other plans for her. May God conrinue to comfort you, dad, Aimee and the family.

From DeDe Russell Kollath:

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I was one of Jan's dance students at Duckwater. She was a great dancer, very fit, and loved teaching. Her and Butch were also good friends of my parents, Tom and Pat Russell. We spent many an evening with the two of them and the girls, having dinner and visiting. God bless you all. I'll be praying for you this week.

From Gay Park:

A beautiful picture of your mom and Bentley. My prayers and thoughts are with you Emily and your family. I will always remember your beautiful mom coming down your staircase in a crisp white shirt, jeans and cool belt. Such a beautiful soul.
Hugs to you and all your family

From Jan Banner:

I am so sorry for your loss. I have admired Jan from the first moment we met and we became instand friends. We always said we would never forget each others name. She was a friend to many and I'm grateful to have been one of them. Keep each and every memory of Jan fresh and alive. You have a wonderful Angel to watch over you. My heart felt condolences to each of you.

From Jacque Nelson :

I am so sorry for your loss. I loved working with your mom at the Golden Goose. She was so much fun, and getting to know your family was a bonus. She will be missed terribly. My heart goes out to you all. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

From Marianne Welch:

My heartfelt condolences to everyone who loved Jan. I was so lucky to have her join the Recollections “family” years ago and have so many fond memories from those years. I’ll be out of town for the service, but wanted you all to know you’re in my thoughts. Much love to Ed, Amie, Emily and the entire family.

From Kelly Klosterman :

Sorry to hear of yours mom’s passing Amie n’ Emily. Praying for your comfort during this difficult time.

From Beverly Harman:

I love Jan so much. We became neighbor friends which started by sharing our favorite recipes and then a yearly Christmas flower exchange and many, many happy long visits. I trusted her with all my stories and concerns. She will never be forgotten! Take care Ed. We will be here when you feel like you can come home.

From Steve and Patti Findley & Family:

Ed, Aime, Emily, and families, we are so sad to hear of Janines passing. She was a sweetheart and had such a big personality. She loved her family and extended family. She and Ed were always good to visit grandma, mom and dad. Melva, Diane and Merrill. She was classy and funny and I'm sure will be sorely missed.

From Patti Kalafatic:

Emily, Amie and Butch, I am sorry sorry to hear about Jan, she was a wonderful person. I so enjoyed the fun times we spent together in Ely. My love to you all.

From Diane Nielsen :

I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom! She was a very sweet lady!

From Janey Blackeye Bryan:

What a beautiful obituary of Jan. I have special memories of Jan teaching me dance lessons and helping out at our school. I can still see her warm and beautiful smile; now all the great things we remember about her lives on in her family. My prayers to everyone and especially for Jan’s journey.

From Janey Blackeye Bryan:

My condolences to Ed, Emily and Amie. I have special memories of Jan teaching me dance steps and helping teach us when we were at the Nye County School. I could still see her beautiful smile and when I see pictures of Emily and Amie, I see Jan and she lives on in her family. My love and prayers to everyone.

From Brenda Corbett Lowe :

I enjoyed the very nice picture of Janine. She has been my dear friend since we were six years old and starting to grow up in Grace. I will miss her. I have a regret that I had not seen Janine since John Williams Memorial. I only have many warm, clear and happy memories of Janine and her "basement Party Room". I know that Ed will be strong. Godspeed. Brenda Corbett Lowe

From Lisa Pescio-Ruzycki :

I am so so sorry to hear about Jan’s passing. She was such a kind and stylish lady.

From Diane Nielsen :

I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom! She was a very sweet lady!

From Carla Mortenson:

Jan was an example to all. She showed strength, grace, determination & courage. She was a beautiful lady with an amazing soul. Her life definitely will live on, the memories of Jan will have a ripple effect in all the lives she touched. It was a gift to call her my friend. Wishing the family peace & comfort at such a difficult time.

From Tilly Thompson:

Sending prayers for strength. May Jan journey well. Sending our condolences from my dad, Darrell Thompson and family.

From Troy Metcalf:

I am so sorry to hear about her passing. I remember her well. My most sincere condolences to the family!

From Sheila B. Adams:

My sympathy to you all. I’ve known you all as hard workers. Since you moved to Burley. I always enjoyed visiting with Jan in the stores and out walking and in yoga. Jan was always a spitfire and so proud of the grandsons.

From Alan & Valerie Mohlman :

Oh my what a precious lady Jan was, always welcoming in every way. She is wearing her angel wings and we will truly miss this wonderful woman!! We loved your mom!! Prayers to you and your family. God be with you.

From Shannon Peterson McCarthy & Fred McCarthy:

To Ed, Amie, Emily and Family, my heart breaks for your loss. Janine was my friend since we were both about three and four years old and I will miss her. It has been our joy to connect with and visit Janine and Ed these last few years and I am so glad we were able to come and visit last winter. We shared many memories of growing up together. Our friendship was very special to me.

From Marian Perez :

Condolences to you and the family, she will be missed sending prayers and big hugs.

From Donna Johnson:

Emily, Amie and Butch I am so sorry. I have never forgotten the times we spent together while I was in Duckwater
and all the love and caring that Jan showed. Jan and the rest of your family are one of a kind. and will always be in my heart. Many prayers are with you all.

From Cory Gardner:

She had an amazing spirit and heart. What a gal. She will be missed.

From Sandra Biggs :

My love to Ed, their girls, and family. Until we meet again. Love your cousin Sandra and hubby Harry

From Eldene & Joe Holbrook:

Our hearts and love are with you; wish we could help ease your loss.
Janine’s house was our party house growing up. She was the glue in our small community. What a grand Dame!

From Dena Newcomb:

Amie I'm so sorry for loss big hugs

From Annette Rosevear Brown1:

I remember Jan very well growing up in White River. As a child, I can't recall a time that her and Ed were not attached at the hip at all the functions, horse races, livestock sale, gatherings from all of us growing up on our Grandpas ranch. Best of times. So very sorry for your loss. Big hugs

From Shawnna and Kasey:

Emily, I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your beautiful mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

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