Jani Flinn

Born Darlene Jane Flinn, but she was known as "Jani." Jani was born on February 19, 1955, in Brush, Colorado, to Marian Christensen (Nana) and Robert Flinn. Later, she was blessed to call Dawn Christensen (Papa) her dad as well. Jani grew up with four siblings: Sharon Flinn, Kathie Egbert, Jim Flinn, and Michelle Flinn. Jani's bond with her siblings defined her childhood. They were her best friends.

In her twenties, Jani moved to Fort Collins, where she achieved her associate's degree. A few short years later, she met and married Reid Rosenthal. Jani and Reid had two children: Jordan and Rhett. Jani raised Jordan and Rhett as a single mother. She raised them through all of the obstacles that single mothers have, but she filled Jordan and Rhett's lives with love. Later, she filled the lives of her two grandchildren, Jace and Riley, with that same love. Eventually, Jani moved to Sheridan, Montana, to be with her kids and grandkids, the people that meant the most to her.

Jani was an exceptional mother and grandmother. Jordan, Rhett, Jace, and Riley's hearts will forever be filled with memories of party pears, forts, planting flowers, sewing, catching bugs, hugs, and a reassuring "Oh, Hunny, it will be okay." Jani became "Grandma Jani" to many kids in town as she opened her home and heart to them all. Beautiful cannot even begin to explain her.

Jani's life is a testament to courage and strength. She persevered through what life threw at her. There will never be enough words to describe her. Instead, those who love her will carry the utmost respect, love, and admiration for her and the wonderful person she was. Her brother Jim said it just perfectly, "although small in stature, she was tough in mind and heart. One of my heroes and will always be fondly remembered."

Jani passed away December 27, 2025. Cancer took Jani from our lives. But she did not lose the battle. She won the battle, with strength, bravery, and grace.

We love you more, Mom, to the moon and back.

A Memorial will be held in Brush, Colorado on February 21, 2026. Later a celebration of life will be held in Sheridan, Montana in the summer of 2026.

Jani is survived by her children: Jordan Allhands (Robert Allhands) and Rhett Rosenthal (Annie Holland); grandchildren: Jace and Riley Allhands; mother: Marian; and siblings: Sharon Flinn, Kathie Egbert, Jim Flinn, and Michelle Flinn. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Flinn, and her Step-dad, Dawn Christensen (Papa).