Janis Diane Hake Palmer

Janis Diane Hake Palmer, 78, passed away on July 7, 2024, at Billings Clinic in Billings, Montana. She was born in Santa Monica, California on May 27, 1946. She was the daughter of Ray Smith Hake, Jr. and Barbara Jane (Smith) Hake. Her family moved back to Worland in 1949. Her brother, Randy Hake would join her family a few years later, continuing to grow the Hake family legacy.

Janis was a studiously involved child and student who graduated from WHS in 1964. She continued her lifelong education at UCLA and the University of Wyoming before relocating back to Southern California where she worked for her uncle as a bookkeeper.

During a double-blind date in December 1968, Janis was introduced to the love of her life, John Palmer, while he was serving in the Navy. They quickly fell in love and within a month he proposed. They were married later that year on September 20, 1969. Their honeymoon included a visit to Wyoming, which was a catalyst for their future family roots in Worland. They enjoyed a loving marriage and were blessed with three children. Gregory John Palmer was born in SoCal before her young family moved to Worland in 1975, planting deep roots, and welcoming Darby Ann Palmer and Kevin Hake Palmer to complete her family.

Janis dedicated much of her professional life to the Hake Agency Insurance Company where she was one of the Big Horn Basin’s most meticulous and reliable agents. She excelled due to her love of numbers, integrity, and dedication to serving her fellow community. Additionally, she served as treasurer for numerous organizations: including Beta Sigma Phi, PEO Chapter AA, Washakie Memorial (Banner) Hospital Auxiliary, and her high school class of 1964.

Moreover, Janis was an entrepreneur, who was a talented seamstress, known for her crocheting and knitting skills. She especially enjoyed making sweaters, baby hats/booties, and afghans, which she routinely gifted. She was also an excellent cook/baker who crafted unique recipes, adding spices and ‘secret’ ingredients, especially for cake baking and catering. Her myriad talents were manifested via her creativity and generosity.

Additionally, Janis was an original member of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, where she made church bread for communion, was the current pianist, and was a steadfast and important congregation member. She was passionate about giving back to the community, volunteering selflessly, and seldom accepted compensation for her efforts.

During leisure, there wasn’t a board or card game that she couldn’t dominate. Viewing Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune with her husband were routine rituals. Books and periodicals were scanned through her brain vis-a-vis computing power! She enthusiastically loved to travel and embrace new experiences. Some of her favorite destinations were Alaska, the Bahamas, and Baja. Excursions to the family cabin in the Big Horns and outings with a plethora of her friends were never taken for granted.

Within the past few years and while John was living-assisted at Sweetwater in Billings, Janis became even more independent; including gassing up her car, taking care of the family home by herself, and traversing to local destinations. She was a focused, determined, and ironed Warrior!

Janis Diane Palmer was known for her heart of gold and was described by those who knew her as the most loving, kind, generous, creative, dedicated, and unique soul that any fellow human could strive to be. She was a rockstar!...a woman who sacrificially gave her best efforts spiritually, emotionally, and financially. Her legacy of love and service will forever live on in the hearts of any human, creature, plant - lifeform who was fortunate to be graced by her.

Janis was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and son, Kevin. She is survived by her daughter, Darby Palmer of Nevada City, California; son Gregory (Pandora) Palmer of Billings, Montana; brother, Randy (Mary Jo) Hake of Worland, Wyoming; grandson, Tymon Palmer of Billings, Montana; nephews, Jed (Angela) Hake of Billings, Ben (Dusty) Hake of Worland, and Jonathan (Sadami) Hake of Worland; nieces, Emily Hake of Worland, and Whitney Edds-Palmer of Menifee, California, along with several cousins, great-nephews and nieces.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, August 8, 2024, at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church with Rev. Jim Stewart officiating. Memorial donations may be made to St. Alban’s. Please send checks to PO Box 524 Worland, Wyoming 82401. Online condolences may be made at http://www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com