Janet Anne Colonel

Janet Anne Meyers was welcomed on July 13, 1945 and called home to heaven peacefully on October 22, 2024 with her three devoted children at her side. Janet was the only child born to Oliver Meyers and Jeanette Giromini in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania just as WWII was ending. Her father, a Colonel in the United States Air Force, flew 67 missions and was safely back on American soil. The young family moved many times due to her father’s service and she rarely could settle for long. She lived in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington DC and Utah before being stationed abroad and Janet spent her formative years mostly in Japan and Iran. Janet was adored and beloved by her parents who wanted to provide her with any opportunity they could see fit. She was a busy and fortunate child with formal training in English riding, figure skating and all dance disciplines. She attended exclusive dance training and camps and had private ice skating instruction, usually early before school. The family moved stateside in time for her to start high school in a rural town outside of Cincinnati, Ohio where she formed roots and made friends. After high school, due to her focus and devotion to ballet in particular, Janet completed coursework from Connecticut College, Perry Mansfield, The Juilliard School and graduated from Stevens College in Indianapolis, Indiana. Janet was sought after while attending and after graduation, she accepted a position as an associate professor at Steven’s College teaching modern and ballet classes. She married her high school sweetheart soon after college and they welcomed their first two children, Kerry and Colby, while living in Indiana. In 1972, with two babies, they uprooted their lives and followed their hearts to Idaho to pursue a life in the west. Fifteen miles south of Pocatello, they worked hard to build a house and loved the lifestyle allowed by owning nearly 20 acres of land, a garden, horses, all sorts of critters and there Janet created lifelong friends while raising kids, welcoming their third child Katie and being highly involved in the community. Janet oversaw the dance department at Idaho State University, was instrumental in developing the local youth dance company and was active in her church. 

The next phase of life happened solely from Janet…being Janet. While on a Labor Day weekend trip with her daughters, she casually walked into the lobby of the Buckrail Lodge. Built and owned by Ralph and Meta Sternberg, it was a Jackson icon; eleven quaint and charming log rooms surrounded by gorgeous grounds and mature trees. She simply asked if they would ever consider selling the place. Within twelve months, the Colonels had moved to Jackson and embarked on running a motel! Janet was the spirit and force of the Buckrail Lodge for 27 years until she retired in 2015. She was intimately involved with all aspects of her business. She was well-loved and respected by all of her employees and colleagues. Janet worked hard, was self-sufficient and “running the Buckrail” was truly her own legacy and a big part of who she was. She had pride in keeping things immaculately maintained and welcoming. The property boasted a beautiful yard and she had an innate gift of creating and tending to gorgeous mature flowerbeds, detailed landscaping and her signature pink and white flowering crabapple trees that became a mainstay at her place. Many guests who came and stayed became return guests and close friends to Janet. 

Janet was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church. She felt very at home working with kids and was active with the AWANAS program and was a beloved long-time sunday school teacher. In addition, Janet volunteered for the Senior Center and delivered Meals on Wheels. Janet would tell you her highest accomplishment was her family. She was the epicenter and was an incredible mother and absolutely magical grandmother, better known as their “Yaya.” She loved living so close and was so happy to welcome all six grandchildren at St. John's Hospital. She was there to hold them all within minutes of their birth. Those who knew Janet, would tell you she found comfort and solace in exercise outside in this beautiful place she called home. She hiked Snow King or ran/skied up Cache Creek almost daily. She also climbed several peaks in the Tetons with her daughters. 

Janet was preceded in death by her mother and father. She is survived by her children, Kerry, Colby (Lori), and Katie (Aaron); grandchildren Hayden, Tucker, Lauren, Kaycee, Claire, and Tobie; her brother and sister-in-law; and many loved cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

 A celebration of life will be held next summer when we can honor her legacy outside with beautiful warm weather and enjoy everything in bloom. We are very grateful for the loving and compassionate caregivers who became like family and allowed Janet independence as she remained at home as long as possible. In addition, we are so thankful for the love and incredible care provided to her by each member of the incredible team at Sage Living.