Janet Christina

Janet Christina peacefully left our Father’s world on August 18, 2023. She loved it’s rocks and trees and skies and seas. She was raised in the mountains and spent her adult life on the prairie, but Montana’s high places were her favorite.

Janet was born on April 13, 1934 to Richard and Agnes Christina (Vlach) Johnson in Missoula. She was the elder sister of Edith (Risdahl/Morris) and Arlene (Bakke).

Janet discovered being an artist in the third grade, a passion she pursued throughout her lifetime. She sketched in charcoal and pastel and painted in oil and watercolor. Her greatest work was designing the large stained-glass window which stands behind the altar of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Great Falls, and constructing it with former Great Falls mayor Bill Swanberg. It depicts the risen Christ, with the shadow of the cross behind him. She also designed the church’s windows depicting Communion, Baptism, and the Trinity. Her other interests included raising tropical fish, hiking, backpacking, reading, and gardening.

Janet married Roger Hayes in 1953 and had a daughter, Deborah Hayes of Missoula, and a son, Edward Hayes of Helena. Following the dissolution of her marriage, Janet found much happiness with Hawk Lindberg and his family, and friends.

Despite losing most of her eyesight, Janet lived independently in her Great Falls Riverview home until she was 88, with the help of neighbor Nancy Paulson, fellow Our Savior’s Lutheran Church member Emil Vanni, fellow Arts Association of Montana member Jean Mazur, and others.  Janet’s family is also grateful for the loving attention shown to Janet by the staff of Big Sky Hospice of Missoula in her last months.

Janet’s body will rest next to her parents at Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Missoula. A memorial will be held at a later date. This is our Father’s world, why should our hearts be sad?