Janis Mary Ruff-Strait, 68

Janis Mary Ruff, 68, was born on Sept. 20, 1956, in Kalispell, the third daughter of Ervin and Mary Ruff. Her soul retreated to our common homeland in Heaven on Oct. 24, 2024. 

What we couldn’t see, but likely took place as she escaped her earthly body so worn from disease to enter eternity with her loved ones, was probably very similar to the scene at the Missoula airport after she made it through security for one of her many trips; she raised her arms over her head in victory, exuberantly proclaiming loud enough for everyone to hear "I’m going to Scotland!" 

Even the TSA had to smile a little at that one! 

There were many adventures to far off places, each with a unique and often hilarious story. Others were planned but Jan’s medical knowledge and years of experience convinced her that sampling foreign health care wasn’t really on her bucket list, and two close calls in recent years seemed to be saying the third time could be the charm she didn’t want.  

Jan was trained as a registered nurse in MSU Bobcat Land in Bozeman and worked most of her career in the ICU at KRMC, currently known as Logan Health, in Kalispell, and later at the Kalispell VA Clinic. She was a flight nurse for ALERT when she was still young and flexible enough to fit in the helicopter. She was well liked by her patients, coworkers and doctors, maintaining friendships for life with many of them. She was also medical advisor and translator for all her family, explaining medical issues in a way we knew was from someone who had our best interest at heart.  

Jan had many and varied interests; she was a skier, hiker and backpacker when younger and a passionate "tubby tuber" on Echo Lake on hot summer days more recently; a flower gardener extraordinaire, a craft and antique collector, book club member, and an enthusiastic shopper. She was the self-appointed family genealogist, family party planner and unbeatable when playing Pictionary with sister Babs as her partner. She was second mother to all her nieces and nephews. 

Echo Lake Cafe will undoubtably miss her support and trips to Quinn’s Hot Springs won’t be the same without her. 

She was raised with four sisters, Julie (Randy), Barbara (Bill), Teresa (David) and Susie (John), and two brothers, Mike (Kim) and Steven. All her siblings survive, along with nieces, Ali, Kayla, Melissa, Bud, Kristina, Katie and Jessica, as well as great-nephew, Myles and great-niece Aliyah. 

Jan married Dennis Strait on Aug. 28,1993 after 11 years of courtship and devoted the next 31 years to making their relationship into a refuge that held under any challenge the world could come up with. Her dedication and loyalty to their union will never be surpassed or forgotten.  

Her mother Mary also survives as does her husband Dennis, along with many, many relatives, friends and admirers in Pennsylvania — a second home and family to Jan for over 40 years. Jan’s dad and brother-in-law Bill have taken the path before her and the three of them will always be greatly missed. 

As much as we miss Jan, it is far better that she is free to walk on the wings of the wind with God, and we only hope He is as happy with her as we were. 

At Jan’s request there will be no service at this time, but a remembrance will be held next July when her family gathers at Echo Lake.  

Donations to Wings Regional Cancer Support, (P.O. Box 7852, Kalispell, MT. 59904) will help other local people who are cancer warriors against their will if anyone is so inclined. 

Rest In Peace Jan, We Love You!