Janice, died at age 84 on September 18, 2026 peacefully at her home in Denver, Colorado, surrounded by family and friends.

Born at St. Luke’s Hospital in 1942 in Denver to Catherine (Schmitz) and Roy Bale, Jan grew up in North Denver and attended St. Dominic’s Catholic School and the original Holy Family High School. She went on to get her teaching degree from UNC (formerly Colorado State College). Jan was a first grade teacher for thirty years in Jefferson County. She settled in Wheat Ridge, Colorado where she raised her son Greg and her daughter Christine.

Jan was a voracious reader, often tackling three books per week while also staying current on world events. Sewing and quilting were a passion. She would make a new quilt for just about any special occasion, and if you knew her well enough, there is a fair chance she made a quilt for you. Bridge playing and other card games were joys her entire adult life. You knew where you stood with Jan; if you were of a younger generation and knew Jan, you likely had received a lecture once or twice. Jan had a razor-sharp wit and loved sarcastic humor. She did not suffer fools lightly. She was a lover of all animals, especially dogs. She enjoyed so many foods and restaurants—all types of cuisine from all over the world. Jan was a fantastic cook, using fresh and simple ingredients often from her big backyard garden. She loved going to the performing arts, and was often attending a matinee of the ballet or a musical in Denver. She did not enjoy the evening performances, as they were far too pricey.

Her friends were her family as much as her relatives. She maintained lifelong friendships and had wonderful “new friends” from her time at the retirement community where she lived. A believer in social justice, she was a generous donor to a wealth of organizations such as the ACLU, St. Joseph’s Indian School, the Environmental Defense Fund and many others. She loved visitors, especially in her retirement. Any time someone could stop by was a good time for a visit. She had a special way of making people feel like family in her home. Jan’s strong sense of faith guided her through the brightest and darkest parts of her life.

She had a formidable and caring spirit, and to know Jan was to be touched by someone with the strongest of backbones. Many said she was the most stoic person they knew, and she will be sorely missed.

Jan was preceded in death by son Greg Byers and sister Carolyn Rock. 

She is survived by daughter Christine Byers (Steven Ross); grandchildren Logan and Gracie Ralph; and step-grandchildren Mackenzie DeSimone, Evan Ross, Zachary Ross, and Sydney Ross; brother Roy Bale. Nieces Katy Bale, Alena Bale, Susan Rock, and Shelby Gardner were always supportive. Ben and Heather Curnett were mainstays. 

Please see below the link for the Livestream for the Funeral Services.

https://www.mpbdenver.org/sacraments/live-stream

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Warren Village (http://Warrenvillage.org)