Jane W. Bartz

Gillette resident Jane W. Bartz, 94, died peacefully on January 9, 2025, at Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center. Funeral services for Jane will be Friday, January 17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, with Donavon Voight officiating. Private interment will follow at Mount Pisgah Cemetery.

Jane was born in her grandparents' house on their homestead in Burke County, North Dakota, on January 26, 1930. At birth, she weighed only three pounds. She was placed in a shoebox by the cook stove to keep her warm. Her family, which included her brother Leland, who was born two years later, moved to Bowbells, ND, where Jane graduated from eighth grade. They moved to Williston, ND, where Jane graduated from high school. After high school graduation, she attended Minot State Teachers College.

Jane met her future husband, Nolan Bartz, at the Baptist Bible camp near Lake Medigoshi in North Dakota. They married on June 26, 1959, at First Baptist Church in Portland, Oregon. They returned to Anamoose, North Dakota, to farm for seven years. They had two daughters, Naomi and Medora, also known as Dori. They then moved to many places where the best special education for Dori, who had Down syndrome, was available. Both Jane and Nolan started group homes and special education programs in the places where they lived. Jane worked as a legal secretary wherever they lived, and being executive secretary for the President of CWC College in Riverton, Wyoming, was her favorite position.

They moved to Gillette, Wyoming, in 1991 to be close to their grandchildren, Nikki, Chris, Chelsie, daughter Naomi, and husband Tony. Jane was deputy clerk in the Campbell County courthouse in the workers' compensation and child support offices for ten years. After retirement, Jane enjoyed helping with Nolan's model airplane club functions, attending their grandson's football games, and spending time with her granddaughters. She was very proud to be a great-grandma to four. Jane enjoyed being part of First Baptist Church, especially teaching Pioneer Club with Nolan. Her other joy was writing devotionals and children's stories. Jane had an extensive knowledge of the Bible and scripture. She used her computer well into her nineties. She was a published author at 26, making her love of writing a sixty-year commitment.

Jane is preceded in death by husband Nolan Bartz and daughter Dori Bartz. Jane is survived by daughter Naomi (Tony) Didier, granddaughters Nikole Didier and Chelsie (Colby) Aaberg, grandson Chris (Cora) Didier, and four great-grandchildren, Paxton and Addison Didier, as well as Zion and Emersyn Aaberg. Condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716.