Janet Loretta Laird

Janet Loretta Barney Laird passed away peacefully in her home on December 6th, 2024. Janet was born May 27th, 1949 to LaMoyne and Loretta Barney in Rigby, Idaho. Janet’s childhood was spent on the family farm in Mud Lake which helped shape her into the steadfast, hardworking, and family oriented woman that people knew and loved. Her devotion to her family was apparent to all who walked through her door and no one ever left hungry. Through the love of her life, Gary, Janet found a passion in the rodeo community as a founding member of Idaho Junior Rodeo Association, building numerous lifelong friendships. Janet was the rodeo mom to not only her children but countless other rodeo kids throughout the years. 

Janet leaves behind her loving husband, Gary, of 57 years; her daughter Melissa (Joe) Keele of Rogerson, Idaho; and Connie (Jay) Broncho of Blackfoot. The light of her heart were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren Bailey, Andy, Paisley and Sage Lusk; Mike and Megan Mitchell; Britnee and Tyler Johnson-Williams; Alyson, Dazshun, Dimitri, and Damian Smith; and Bree Houtz. Her siblings, Lyle, and Marie, were her best friends and closest confidants. Her nieces and nephews were incredibly special to her and she loved them dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, LaMoyne “Barney” and Loretta; and her in-laws Mick and Barbara; and grandson Lane Broncho. We will all strive to continue the legacy of love, kindness, and sass that Janet expressed every day. She will be greatly missed. 

On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, funeral services will be at Wilks Funeral Home in Chubbuck, Idaho, from 5-6:45pm where there will be a time of greeting for family and friends, followed by a service at 7 pm.

On Thursday, December 12, 2024, there will be a graveside service at the Dubois Cemetery in Dubois, Idaho starting at 11:30am. Following the ceremony, all are welcome to celebrate Janet’s life by joining us at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Dubois, Idaho. In honor of all the meals that Janet shared in her kitchen, please bring a dish to share that honors her.

In memory of Janet and in support of Gary, please consider donating to this GoFundMe account in lieu of flowers or mementos.