Janice Hale, 87

In Loving Memory of Janice Dale Cox Hale.

Janice Dale Cox Hale, 87, of Whitefish passed away peacefully on Aug. 28, 2026. She was born on Aug. 20, 1939, in Covina, California, to Roy and Lillian Cox. She lived a full life filled with adventure, family, laughter, love, and countless cherished memories.

Janice was raised in sunny California among the orange groves. Her love of sunshine stayed with her throughout her life. She was an avid sunbather and was happiest soaking up every bit of warmth she could find. While she was in high school, her parents, sister, and youngest brother moved the family to India. Those years became some of the most special and memorable of her life. The people, places, experiences, and adventures she encountered there stayed with her forever and became stories she loved to share.

In 1962, Janice moved to Butte beginning another important chapter of her life. She later made her home in Whitefish, where she spent many years surrounded by family, friends, and the Montana landscape she came to love. She lived life in her own way. She was independent, loving, spirited, and fun. With her wonderful sense of humor and unforgettable personality, she brought energy and character wherever she went. Those who knew her well understood that there was never a dull moment when she was around.

Throughout her life, Janice worked in a variety of roles. She was a dance instructor at Arthur Murray Dance Studios and, oh, could she dance! She also worked as a telephone operator and as a teacher's aide in all of Whitefish's schools, where she loved her students. Later, she worked in banking, where she made many wonderful friends. She was hardworking and took pride in everything she did.

Janice loved music, sunbathing, dancing, golfing, fishing, hunting, and, most of all, life. She enjoyed the outdoors, good times, good people, and making memories along the way. The later years of her life brought challenges, including several back surgeries and the loss of her eyesight to glaucoma. It was never easy, but she had a remarkable ability to make the best of difficult circumstances. She faced those challenges with the same strength and determination that carried her through life.

Family was always at the center of Janice's world. She loved her children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family deeply. She cherished family gatherings, conversations, laughter, shared memories, and simple moments that brought everyone together.

Janice was preceded in death by her husband, Charles "Dick" Hale; her parents, Roy and Lillian Cox; her in-laws, Charles and Josephine Hale; her brother, Jimmie Cox; his wife, Beverly; their daughter, Nancy; her brother-in-law, Bernie Garrett (Pat Watterud) ; and her sister-in-law, Sandy Cox along with many great friends.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren: Stacy (Curtis) Denning and their son, Derek; Gae Wheeler (Jeremy) and their children, Amber, Taylor (Shae), Emily, Valicity, and Cydni; and 10 great grandchildren; Randi Long (Frank) and their children, Schon Long and Shelbi (Lucas), along with Adalyn, Emmet, and Liam; and Brenda Guzman (Allen) and their children Miranda and granddaughter Wesleigh, Manuel "Manny," Antonia (Kevin) and Chanaea and their children. She is also survived by her stepson, Robert (Kirsten) Baker, and their children, Ryan and Justin; Her wonderful younger brother, Boyd (Nedda) Cox; her lovely sister, Bette (JP) Paynter; her sister-in-law, Roberta Garrett.

Janice had a very unique and special love for her 10 nieces and 1 nephew's especially that one, they know who they are. Susie, Jenny, Erich, Jodie, Troy, Dayna, Danell, Marshia, Stephanie and Nicole.

Janice leaves behind more than a family; she leaves behind a lifetime of memories. Her stories, laughter, strength, and unmistakable personality will live on in the hearts of the people who knew and loved her. She could be tender and tough, serious and funny, and always, unmistakably, herself. From the orange groves of California to the streets of India and the mountains of Montana, her life was shaped by the places, people, and experiences that made her who she was. We are grateful for the memories, the adventures, the laughter, and the amazing life you shared with us.

A special thank you to her caretakers and friends at the Springs in Whitefish that she shared her last years with. We appreciate you all.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Janice's memory to the Glaucoma Research Foundation at glaucoma.org. or simply take a moment to step outside, feel the warmth of the sun, and soak up a little sunshine in her honor.

Just the way Mom would have wanted it. We love you, Mom.