Jan Stevenson

Janice “Jan” Stevenson, age 71, departed this life Dec. 30, 2025, at her home (Custer Care and Rehab) in Custer, S.D., with several family members close at hand.  
She was predeceased by her parents; two sisters (Joyce Aldridge and Georgette Nelson); and her youngest son, Travis Stevenson.  
Jan was born June 8, 1954, in Casper, Wyo., to Gladys and George (Bud) Nelson.
Jan was nearly a year old when the family moved to Newcastle, Wyo. Here, she grew up and attended school through graduation.  Her childhood was filled with adventures—and some misadventures—playing in the nearby hills and wooded areas close to home, but also during the many summers spent with her father and older sister, JoAnn, in the Wyoming “high country,” where he operated as a big game guide and outfitter (Wilderness Ranch).  
Here, Jan learned an appreciation of the outdoors, wildlife and a budding passion for fishing.  Later in life, Jan and her sister would reminisce about those summers’ activities and at times wonder how they managed to survive some of those experiences—like the unapproved horseback rides, alone, miles “upcountry” and some unexpected encounters with the wildlife—bear and moose, particularly!
Other summers were enjoyed with paternal grandparents in LaJunta, Colo., forming her love of horses and passion for accordion music through her grandmother, who was an avid horsewoman and an accomplished musician of not only accordion, but also steel guitar, banjo, piano  and organ. 
At age 8 or 9 Jan began taking lessons, just a few years behind her sister, JoAnn. It wasn’t long before competition between the two sisters developed; competition to be the “first” to learn and then memorize a certain piece of music or the ultimate “first”—first place trophy at the Annual Fiddlers’ Frolic event which was held every spring in Newcastle for Weston County area residents. Through these and other shared experiences an unbreakable bond between the two sisters was formed and continued to strengthen and sustain through the years into their adult lives.  
After graduation Jan worked various jobs as a waitress, a welder, pumping fuel and changing truck tires at the local truck stop, then later excelling as an auto-detailer at a local dealership.  She exhibited a tireless work ethic regardless of where she was employed.
A woman of many artistic talents, her hobbies and “side income’ included a variety of crafts, most notably her intricately carved and detailed cedarwood signs and plaques.  She also happily shared with friends and family her meticulous embroidery “fancy work.” Jan was very generous with her exceptional musical gift, for many years playing all types of music with her accordion for residents of nursing homes and for those living at home alone.  
She loved being outdoors and fishing was an absolute obsession—a love continued by her son, Justin and grandson, Westin. 
Surviving Jan are her loving children, son Justin (McKaylia) Stevenson of Osage, Wyo., and grandchildren Tealah and Westin; daughter, Dena (Dave) Chamberlain of Guernsey, Wyo.; grandchildren, Larissa, Amanda (Ryon) Brown and great-granddaughter Raelee Kay and Tracy (fiancé Noah Chilton); daughter, Julie (Beau) Barnard and granddaughter (Alyssa Sopchak) of Dayton, Texas; sister, JoAnn Cunningham of Custer, S.D.; numerous nieces and nephews (plus several greats); and so very many friends. Also grieving her loss are those very special people who shared a lifetime of camaraderie and close-as-family relationships. 
Family and friends remember Jan as the one who was always encouraging others during difficult times, “being there,” as well as sharing the good times; her readiness to teach others some of the skills she knew; her knowledge of various encouraging Bible verses and readily sharing them; her multitude of skills, especially with her accordion.
One most-special friend considered Jan to be a beloved sister who always showed a caring and supportive heart and an adventurous spirit, always helping other women when they were in despair. Jan had the biggest heart and the most beautiful smile, but she was a private and quiet person, independent yet sensitive and incredibly compassionate. She always had strength in the face of challenges. She could be so stubborn, but she also had a huge heart and a wonderful sense of humor. 
Jan’s last few years were quiet but filled with things she loved—old TV westerns, her nature-scene and animal coloring books, face-to-face visits and telephone conversations, and of course, her accordion. She was indeed strong-willed and stubborn, but those traits were part of who she was and undoubtedly helped her deal with life’s challenges.
Jan’s family wishes to thank all the wonderful friends and special people who visited and kept her company these past several years, whether in person or by phone, and to express an immense appreciation for the loving care and sense of family she received from staff at Custer Care and Rehab. 
In typical “Jan” fashion, there is no scheduled formal service. In time, there will be an announcement for a casual Celebration of Life at a favored lake—when the grass has greened, the sun is shining and the fish are biting.