Janet Merritt Lamping, 73, passed away from heart failure at home, on Thursday, May 7, 2020.
Janet was born in Helena MT on May 31, 1946 to Earl and Clella Merritt. She was the youngest sibling of three, joining her brother Jay and sister Judy. She grew up in the Helena Valley and resided in the area all her life. She attended school in Helena, graduating from Helena High School in 1964.
In 1968 she married Rick Lamping of East Helena. They welcomed their first child, Wade, in 1969 followed by their second child, Melissa, in 1972. Janet held a few different jobs throughout her career. She worked as a House Parent at Mountain View Girls Home where she was instrumental in helping many troubled girls, a job she thoroughly enjoyed. She then worked a short time at Shodair Hospital when it was on Helena Avenue, mentoring many youth suffering from addictions. Later in life she switched career paths and became a certified optician, working at Shopko Optical and Helena Vision Center. Due to declining health she retired.
Janet and Rick eventually divorced but remained good friends, spending holidays together with their kids and even taking an occasional road trip together.
Janet is survived by her brother, Jay (Sharon) Merritt and sister, Judy Johnson of Helena; her ex-husband Rick Lamping; her son Wade (Jen) Lamping and their kids Connor, Milo and Asher; and her daughter Melissa (Todd) Miller and their kids Merritt, Madi, Rhees, Hayden and Beth, also of Helena.
She is preceded in death by her parents Earl and Clella Merritt, brother-in-law Bob Johnson, and numerous aunts and uncles.
At Janet’s request there will be no service. Cremation has taken place. Her ashes will be placed next to her family at the Hardgrove Merritt Cemetery in the Helena Valley. Donations can be made in her name to Compassus Living Foundation, in honor of the compassionate care she received from Compassus Hospice of Helena, during her final days.
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Dawn Langel says
Janet was a sweetheart! She made the BEST cakes with delicious frosting, yummy stew for Friday night camping, and had a sense of humor that always made me laugh. Her presence will be missed at every Thanksgiving gathering, as it was always a treat to see her and enjoy her deviled eggs (the boys are wondering who will be bringing those now?). We love and miss her but she will live on in our hearts and the beautiful memories we have of her!
Kathy (Dunlap) Fritz says
Janet and I have been friends since high school and have been in good contact through the years. I have many fun memories of our times together. She was smart, funny and had a great personality. She always had a quick comeback and really brought me out of my shell in high school. I thank her for that. I was in their wedding. I was saddened to hear of her passing. Even though she had struggled with her health over the years, it doesn’t make her passing any easier. I know she is finally at peace and I am thankful for that. My condolences to Rick, Wade, Melissa and her grandkids. Thanks Rick, for always being there for her. I know that meant a lot to her. She loved you all. God Bless.