Community Heart Beats Strong in Miles City: Beloved Woman's Teddy Bear Legacy Brings Holiday Magic to Local Children

A quiet basement in Miles City tells an extraordinary story of love transformed into hope.

When Jan Ballensky passed away this June at 87, she left behind more than memories — she left a collection of over 300 teddy bears that would soon bring comfort to children across Montana.

Her husband Alan Ballensky and daughter Edie Best knew they had to honor Jan's passion in a meaningful way.

The decision came naturally — they would donate the entire collection to children and organizations throughout the state.

Jan's love affair with teddy bears began in the 1980s following a memorable wildlife encounter in Yellowstone National Park.

What started as annual holiday bears from local stores evolved into a decades-long collecting obsession that filled shelves and captured hearts.

"When you thought of my mom, you thought of bears," Best explained during a recent interview.

Each plush companion held special significance — vacation souvenirs, birthday gifts, and spontaneous finds that built memories alongside the collection.

In October, Best made a Facebook post seeking donation suggestions for the massive teddy bear collection.

The response overwhelmed the family — hundreds of comments poured in from across Montana, suggesting hospitals, sheriff departments, and children's organizations.

The family started their giving mission locally, delivering 50 teddy bears to Head Start in Miles City just in time for the holidays.

Each child enrolled in the Action for Eastern Montana Head Start program received their own cuddly companion — a perfect Christmas surprise.

The Head Start program serves children ages 3-5 across eastern Montana communities, providing comprehensive early childhood development services to families most in need.

The timing couldn't have been better for these young learners preparing for kindergarten.

Best, who owns Billings Animal Family Hospital, plans to continue the legacy through annual teddy bear drives.

Several bears will find permanent homes in her new veterinary facility on First Avenue North in Billings.

Additional donations have already reached the Ronald McDonald House, extending Jan's compassionate spirit to families facing medical challenges.

"She probably never thought she'd have a legacy, but this is going to be her legacy," Best reflected.

The remaining bears will be distributed to charities and organizations across Billings and surrounding communities.

For Alan, letting go of his wife's treasured collection brings both sadness and satisfaction.

"When these bears leave, there's going to be a certain vague spot in the basement and in my heart," he admitted.

Yet he finds peace knowing the bears will create new memories for children who need comfort most.

This holiday season, Miles City demonstrates how personal passions can transform into community blessings.

Jan's teddy bear legacy proves that love multiplies when shared, creating ripple effects of kindness throughout eastern Montana.