Janice Ann (Kesselback) Conklin

Missoula - Janice Ann (Kesselbach) Conklin, devoted wife and beloved sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024, in Missoula, Montana.

Born on December 21, 1948 in Queens, New York, to Elsie (Horak) and Otto Kesselbach, Jr. On October 23, 1971, Jan married Laurence Conklin, and they picked up and moved to Montana in 1974. Here she raised her family and was active in leading Cub Scouts, Brownies, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Awana, and VFW Ladies’ Auxiliary Post 1507, where she served as President for 2 terms. She was the baseball scorekeeper for TeeBall and Bambino Leagues for 5 years. She taught Sunday School, VBS and was the music minister and organist of the First Baptist Church of Stevensville for 15 years. She had a deep love of music and was a member of choirs and glee clubs for over 40 years. She was part of the Community Chorus in Hamilton for 4 years, where she proudly performed in the presentation of Handel’s “Messiah”. She was always available for all scouting events (summer and winter) and her Den #4 won many awards. In 1984 she was nominated for the Jefferson Award, the state’s highest honor for community service.

Jan is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Laurence John Conklin, Sr., her parents, Elsie and Otto Kesselbach, and her brother, Roger Kesselbach. She is survived by her son, Larry Conklin, Jr. and daughter-in-law Cari Ward of Missoula, MT, her daughter Christine Samuels and son-in-law Mike of Whitefish, MT, grandchildren Amber and Angela Samuels, Laurence Conklin, Ashea Rivera, Anthony Rivera, Hali Miller, Mari Dunsing and Will Theus, and many beloved great-grandchildren.

Jan was a devoted mother and took pride in making a home that was always open to anyone that needed it. She loved her family and friends unconditionally and fiercely and was always there to listen and be a voice of encouragement. Her unconditional love and boundless positivity will be deeply missed by those lucky enough to know and love her.

A memorial service for Jan will be held in the spring of 2025. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

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