Jane Elizabeth

Baltz

Jane Elizabeth Baltz, 65, passed away at home on November 6, 2026, in Helena, Montana. Hers was a life was marked by love. Love for her husband, Roger; their daughters, Samantha and Rachel; her sons-in-law, Christopher and Jeffrey; her granddaughters, Daisy and Luna; and the many friends she held dear.

Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1961, Jane was the loving daughter of Robert and Jane Penman and sister to Bill, Bobby, and Tommy. A true Kiwi, she carried her love of home (and unmistakable accent) with her throughout her life. She could always be counted on to sing the praises of her homeland, whip up a Kiwi-style trifle, or critique a Haka.

Jane married Roger in 1987. Over 39 wonderful years of marriage, they built a life filled with family, adventure, friendship, and devotion. Along the way, they were fortunate to call many beautiful parts of the country home.

Wherever they lived, they found new things to enjoy together. There were swims with manatees, dolphins spotted from the boat, family trips to national parks, mountain hikes, sledding, and afternoons sunbathing in the backyard. Every place brought its own pleasures, and Jane embraced them wholeheartedly. Home was the life their family built together.

Jane had a green thumb and a gift for fixing and making things by hand. A master seamstress, she could create anything from Halloween and theater costumes to bridesmaid dresses and hand-knitted booties. She loved cooking for others and took more pleasure in seeing them enjoy her food than in eating it herself. A lifelong animal lover, Jane made sure her pets were thoroughly spoiled and often overfed. She was a great downhill skier and loved riding her scooter and motorcycle.

Jane brought joy into every room she entered with her vivacious personality, contagious laugh, and wonderfully silly sense of humor. She gave compliments freely and was quick to tell people what she loved about them. She had an extraordinarily kind heart and wore it on her sleeve, always seeing the best in people and forgiving easily.

Above all, Jane adored her daughters. She was their enthusiastic supporter, cheering them on in whatever they did with enough volume and animation to leave no doubt about whose mum she was.

Whether you knew her as Jane, Miss Jane, Jinny Liz, Bossy Betty, wife, or Mum, she leaves you with your own reasons to smile. To love Jane, and to be loved by her, was a wonderful thing.