Janet Talbott was called to join her Lord on February 3, 2024 after 83 wonderful years of life in Wyoming. She was born to Robert and Bessie Gietz on January 23, 1941 on their ranch on the Little Laramie River. She was the youngest of four children. She attended school at Millbrook and Harmony country schools, as her family moved through the Big and Little Laramie River valleys. She attended high school in Laramie living with family friends and graduated in 1958.
She married the love of her life, best friend, and dance partner James F. Talbott on April 19, 1959. They began their lives together in Laramie with a brief stint in Colorado where Jim worked on several prominent sheep ranches while showing and fitting breeding sheep throughout the United States. They returned to the Talbott family ranch in 1964 where they raised their 5 children. They were dedicated to the raising of the Brae Arden Hereford cattle which they took over from her father Robert Gietz. They became some of the most progressive breeders of club calves and commercial cattle competing in, and winning some of the most prestigious cattle shows in the country. She enjoyed working side by side with her husband fitting and showing club calves all across the United States.
They dedicated their lives to their family and community both being very active in community functions and supporting the youth of Albany County. They were recognized as outstanding 4-H leaders in 1985. She assisted her husband in coaching numerous nationally ranked 4-H livestock judging teams. Their love of family and others was evident to all who knew them. Many outside of the family considered her a mother, a aunt or an excellent friend and role model.
Her dedication to the cattle industry, agriculture and love of the Laramie Plains, was evident to all. Her passion and dedication earned her the Ranch Woman of the Year for Albany County in 2003. She was active in the Albany County Cattle Women and received the Charter Member Status demonstrating her dedication to the cattle industry. Until just prior to her passing she presented the “Thought for the Day” at the monthly Cattle Women meetings.
She was awarded the “Heart of Agriculture Award” in 2021 from the Wyoming Department of Agriculture at a ceremony at the Wyoming State Fair. She loved Wyoming, she loved her cattle and agriculture, she loved to watch the newly branded crop of calves run into the spring pasture. She was all that Wyoming is, or ever will be.
Her dedication to the breeding and showing of quality cattle was evident when she won her most coveted award, the “Jim Talbott Memorial Award” at the 2008 Wyoming State Fair. An award presented to the exhibitor of the champion club calf.
Her faith was evident every Sunday when she attended Trinity Lutheran Church, where her and the love of her life were united in holy matrimony. She attended services and bible study faithfully for 64 years.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, her siblings and her husband of 45 years.
She is survived by her 5 children, Jay (Glenna) Talbott, Scott Talbott, Amy (Bill) Clay, Cody Talbott (Heather Bailey) and Betsy (Tad) DeBolt, her grandchildren Jaymes Talbott, Payden Talbott, Luke Talbott, Burk (Heather) DeBolt, Meg DeBolt (Cameron Weigle) and one great grandson Quincy, numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church.
In the lieu of flowers donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Albany County Cattle Women, and/or Hospice of Laramie.
Sending prayers to the entire Talbott family. Janet was always so loving and welcoming. My mom still talks about the time Janet invited her and my dad to visit the ranch and see the animals. Almost 8 years later the Christmas ornament she made me still goes up on my tree. She will certainly be missed!
Scott and family, I am so sorry for your loss!! Ade Peterson
We are so sorry to hear of Janet's passing. We enjoyed seeing her at church, basketball games and many other activities around town and the Laramie Valley. Lynn and Mary Ann Pendleton
I am so sorry to learn of Janet's passing. Some of my fondest childhood memories include the Talbott Family. I will be forever grateful for the countless hours of dedication Janet and her husband demonstrated toward agriculture in the Laramie region. My prayers are with the entire Talbott Family during this time of sorrow
Amy and Family- so sorry to hear about your Mom passing. She was an exceptional Woman. You have our deepest condolences. Jock & Betty Faris
It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of Janet. I believe we could write a book about the kind, caring, and loving person she was. We have WAY too many stories to list, but at the end of the day we had the best neighbors anyone could imagine. We were surrounded by Talbott’s! Janet was an amazing person. She helped where help was needed, a hug to dry our tears, and most of all a great friend. Our condolences to the Talbott family. Janet had an impact on everyone she knew or met. The loss of a Mother, Grandma, Great Grandmother, and a great friend to many is difficult for all of us. Janet lived a long life and will forever be remembered. Rest in piece, Janet, and we hope to see a pinky wave from Heaven. Love, Judy and Kelly Robertson
Janet was always a ray of sunshine, with a smile that lit up a room, She will be missed, but the family was so lucky to have her for 83 years, She had such a zest for life. RIP Janet
Janet was not my Aunt through blood, but I loved her so much. She was such an inspiration to me and I loved that I was blessed to have known her. Our last visit was pricesless and I will always hold her and Jim near and dear to my heart. May you all find comfort in knowing she is with her Savior today and forever. Rest in peace Aunt Janet, I love you and will miss you!!! Prayers to all who mourn her passing.
Janet grew from being a neighbor to a dear friend in recent times. Her love and caring for others was so touching as she placed family and friends first. We will miss her dearly.
My condolences and appreciation of the care you have given! A loss to the community.
At home with her Lord and Savior and reunion time with Jim. She leaves here with a job well done. A devoted wife to Jim and a wonderful mother . Bill Burns
Dear Talbott’s. Curtis and I are so very sorry to hear about Janet. What a wonderful lady. Our prayers have been with you all . May God bless you and be with you. ..Curtis and Ellen Hicks
I am so sorry to hear about Janet's passing. The Talbott family has a very near and dear place in my heart and all my prayers and best wishes are with them in their time of sorrow. Janet was always warm and kind with me and I think the entire community was a better place because she was a member of it.
A classmate and life long friend. Graduated with Janet in '58 and we've corresponded off and on over all the years. Favorite memory: Rode the school bus to Janet's house in 6th grade and she and her Mom taught me Lumi Sticks. A wonderful Indian game and I still have my sticks that Momma Gietz helped me decorate and share with my own children. I can still sing the song that accompanies the game. The community is so fortunate to have had the Talbot families for all these years. They are a vital part of Laramie and its' history. Karen Jackson McGinn
Would you mind sharing the song with us? Thanks for your kind words! Amy
Steve and Sandy Adams Janet was a strong, many-faceted, talented, kind and loving woman. She was a friend to all who knew her. Our children were friends for many years, and our daughter and Betsy remain so. We shared many fun times and laughs. She will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to her wonderful, loving family.
Janet will be greatly missed. Janet was a friend our children went to school together and enjoyed 4-H FFA and school activities. Janet was special in many ways. My thoughts and prayers are with Janet's family you will always have great memories Lucille Hunziker Hixson Sandoval and family
Such a loss. Janet was a true matriarch in my eyes. Such a special gift to my family. Like my parents, she needed to be back with her Groom. A life well lived. Blessed to have known her. Hang onto those precious memories and keep her legacy alive. Love you all ❤️
Oh my. What a wonderful friend. Many happy memories of the whole family.
I will sure miss Janet's "Thought for the Day" at our monthly Cattlewomen meetings. She was a truly special woman and will be greatly missed. RIP Janet
Sorry for your loss. Moms are so missed when they join those gone before them.
Prayers for the Family, amazing Lady, may she rest in peace!
Loved this lady she was so friendly every time you saw her. We had a lot in common and made us good friends. Will miss her and her smiles. God Bless you all. Jim and Gay Rogers
Oh my from the duck milk to the horse rides with Amy getting tossed off or hanging on for dear life. Godspeed to you my first Ranch family. Love and peace Shelly
Amy, and Glenna & Jay, So sorry to learn of Janet’s passing. She was definitely one of a kind! Condolences to all of your families on the loss of this family legend.