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Janet H. Bedford, 86, of Powell, died peacefully July 14, 2023 at Spirit Mountain Hospice in Cody. Although born and raised in New Jersey, Janet found her true home in Wyoming. Through painting, sculpting, design and graphic art, she expressed her love of the landscapes, wildlife and people of the West.
Janet’s panther sculpture graces Powell High School’s atrium, and hundreds of other works are in private collections coast to coast. Janet’s many community activities included logo design for Yellowstone Public Radio and the Yellowstone Jazz Festival, board service with Crisis Intervention Services, and in recent years playing harmonica with the jam band that plays at the care center.
Janet is survived by and greatly missed by daughters Kathy Ahlers and Ruth Ahlers (Jack Raineault), stepchildren Georgia Schwartz (Jamie) and Jason Bedford (partner Cole Northsea), grandchildren Amelia McNamara (Jason Gorton) and Laine McNamara, step-grandchildren Thea Schwartz and Stella Schwartz, sister Ruth Hamilton, nieces and nephews, and friends here in Wyoming and Montana, and in New Jersey. She was predeceased by parents Howard Hamilton and Katherine B. Hamilton, and her husband, the jazz musician and Northwest College instructor Ronnie Bedford.
Memorials in lieu of flowers for Janet may be made to the Ronnie Bedford Fund at Northwest College, with checks to: NWC Foundation, 231 W. Sixth St., Powell, WY 82435 and Janet Bedford on the memo line, or online at nwcollegefoundation.org/give (designate ‘Other’ and please note Janet Bedford in the comments.)
A celebration of life will be held 3-5 p.m., Friday, Sept. 22, 2023 at Plaza Diane, where some of Janet’s art will be displayed and remembrances shared. Jeff Troxel will play guitar, and jam band members are welcome to sit in. Closer to the date, please check Facebook.com/WyoJanetBedford for the livestream link for attending remotely.
