Janet Lynn Bowen

Janet Lynn Bowen: A Life of Dedication, Drive, and Unwavering Love 

Janet, a true native of the Anaconda area, was born to Alma Kenneth and Cora May Schofield. Her life was rooted firmly in Opportunity, Montana, where she resided for her entire life, a testament to her steadfast nature and deep connection to her community.

She was a proud member of the Anaconda High School graduating class of 1970. That same year marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership, as she married the love of her life, Evan Bowen, on June 20th. Together, they built a family, welcoming two beloved daughters: Miranda in 1975 and Kymberleigh in 1977. Janet’s final journey led her back to her beloved Evan; she passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by the family she cherished.

Janet's work ethic was evident from a young age. During her high school years, she dedicated her time to serving as a Candy Striper at the local hospital and working at Lou’s Drive Inn. Following her marriage, she embarked on a career that would define her professional life, initially joining the Anaconda Post Office as a relief rural mail carrier. Her dedication and reliability soon earned her the permanent position of Rural Mail Carrier.

Her route was extensive, demanding over 80 miles of driving each day across the winding back roads of Anaconda, Lost Creek, Galen, East Side Road, and Opportunity. She became a familiar sight, delivering everything from the occasional dreaded bill and long-awaited personal letters to crucial checks and, on rare occasions, even live animals.

The early days of her career showcased her ingenuity. With no right-hand-drive vehicles available, she improvised, sitting in the middle of her distinctive red Subaru, affectionately nicknamed "Subby." She navigated the vehicle, operating the gas and brake with her left foot and steering with her left hand, all while efficiently delivering mail out the passenger side. Her determination paid off when she finally managed to acquire a custom right-hand-drive car, ordered specially from as far away as New York, significantly streamlining her daily duties.

Janet's mail car was more than just a means of transport; it was a vessel for family and memories. Her family fondly remembers riding along, listening to the music of Kaytee Oslin cranked up as they traversed the countryside.

The most cherished memories revolve around the annual Christmas Eve tradition. Knowing the importance of delivering the holiday cheer, Janet always worked on Christmas Eve. But she turned the grueling workday into a festive, highly-anticipated family event, allowing her children and grandchildren to "help" deliver the massive influx of mail and packages—” Haggland, package for Haggland!”

This operation required military-like precision. Janet would map out a route for two separate carloads, often pitting two halves of the family against each other in a friendly race. Piling a family of ten into two cars was a challenge, but Janet, ensuring the young grandchildren had the prime spot, would take one car while the older children and Dad managed the other. This cooperative, bustling endeavor was considered the true start of the holiday season. Her generosity extended beyond her own family; one year, she personally ensured every single child on her route—whether a permanent resident or just visiting—received a hand-delivered candy cane.

Janet was known for her fiercely determined and assertive personality. She was a woman who knew precisely what she wanted, meticulously planned how to achieve it, and enlisted the necessary help to see her goals realized. While this unwavering drive sometimes earned her a reputation for stubbornness, those who truly knew her understood the profound purpose behind her persistence. Once her goals were met, her generosity was quiet but impactful. She supported her community without seeking acknowledgment, prioritizing shopping local, and was steadfastly devoted to the needs of her family.

When not working or coordinating family life, Janet embraced the rugged Montana outdoors. She had a passion for fishing and loved exploring on four-wheelers with her family, especially with close friends Tammy and Dan. She enjoyed the tranquility of walking with her friend Chris Field and the adventure of family camping trips. She and Evan shared the thrill of riding motorcycles, and she was always ready for a bit of excitement at the slot machines.

In her later years, Janet and Evan discovered a shared, truly impressive talent: remodeling houses. This creative endeavor became a true passion, showcasing their cooperative spirit and skill.

Janet leaves behind a powerful legacy of dedication, community spirit, and an enduring, fierce love for her family. She is survived by her devoted daughters, Miranda (Shawn), and Kymberleigh, her cherished grandchildren, Cassie (Bryan “Mo”), Dex, Tyler (Bailey), and Randi. Great-Grandchildren: Melleah, Stetson, Ella, Evan, Levi, Kolt, and Sterling. She is preceded in death by her husband Evan, her parents, her sisters: Peggy and Jay, her brothers- in-law: Wally, Bud, Elmer, and Lewis, Nephew Ray, and her father-in-law William and Mother-in-Law: Pearl. Numerous friends and relatives whose lives she enriched. Her memory will be a lasting source of strength and inspiration.

Celebration of Life for her and her beloved Mr. B will be announced at a later time; Per their wishes.

XOXO, Momma.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Crematory Services has been privileged to care for Janet and her family.