Janet Graham

Janet Kaye Hlavka Graham unexpectedly passed away December 13, 2025.

Janet was born on October 23, 1949 to Bob & Sally(Overacker) Hlavka in Faith SD. She joined her sister Jeanny and a few years later her brother Douglas on the ranch near Plainview.

Growing up she was active in 4-H where her life long love of sewing, animals and horticulture began. She loved horses and participated in rodeos.

Janet attended grade school through the 8th grade at Plainview, attended Faith high school and graduated with the class of 1967. After graduation she attended SDSU graduating with a bachelors degree in Home Economics Education.

On December 29, 1973 she married John Graham in Las Vegas NV. From this union, their only child, Jody was born in 1976. They moved to MN shortly after Jody was born and later divorced. She then went back to college in the evenings and weekends to obtain her Master’s degree in school counseling while teaching home economics. Janet taught home economics in NV and SD, later she worked in SD and MT school systems as a school counselor.

Janet moved to MT in 1995 and retired from Glasgow school in 2007. She then moved to TX, owned and operated a horse boarding business until she fully retired in 2017 and moved back to MT.

Janet had a green thumb, grew phenomenal flowers and always kept a well manicured yard. She enjoyed home improvement projects which she would design and do the work herself. She loved to sew, making many quilts over the years and was an excellent seamstress making clothes for her family.

Later in life Janet enjoyed going for walks with her dog Coco, reading, following her grandchildren, tending her beautiful yard and houseplants.

Janet is proceeded in death by her parents, Bob & Sally Hlavka and sister in law Val Hlavka.

She is survived by her daughter Jody (Larry Ross) Simpson, her three grandchildren: Cody King, Kaylee King and Laynee Simpson. Her sister Jeanny Hlavka, brother Douglas Hlavka and their families.

Cremation has taken place, per her wishes there will be no formal service.