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Jan Grange Obituary
JAN EILEEN GRANGE
September 1, 1949 ~ June 26, 2013
On June 26, 2013, Jan Eileen Grange passed away from cancer. Jannie was at her family home, "Grangeville," lovingly surrounded by family and friends at the time.
Jan was born September 1, 1949, in Portland, Oregon, to Dick and Margie Grange. She grew up in the Walnut Grove area and graduated from Hudson's Bay High School in 1967. Married to Gerald Desmet for nineteen years, together they built a wonderful home in Battle Ground where they raised their three sons, Spencer, Andrew and Tyler. Jan became a second mom to numerous "kids" who gravitated to her charismatic spirit and wise perspectives.
One of Jan's greatest God-given gifts was her skillful hands - talented, hard-working hands that allowed her to leave her mark on the things she touched. She was both artful and imaginative, finding the simple beauty of all the treasures she sought, bought and sold. Over the years, Jannie worked both estate sales and auctions and sold antiques. More recently, she volunteered at the Habitat for Humanity retail outlet, "Re-Store."
Her creativity also blossomed in the uniqueness of her gardens, through every season of the year. She particularly enjoyed working at Poteet's Nursery in Amboy.
As a mother, daughter, sister and friend, Jan possessed a warm twinkle in her eye and a joyous countenance. She shared her opinion, concern and her time with those whose paths she crossed. Jannie took a sincere interest in others' lives and was a true example of friendship for many.
Jan is survived by her mother, Margie Grange; three sons, Spencer, Andrew and Tyler Desmet; granddaughter Mackenzie and grandsons, Brecken and Talan; her sisters, Jill Bollman, Laurie Cassidy, and Lisa Hunsinger, and brothers-in-law, Rene, Craig and David; nephew Ross, nieces Rebecca and Amy, Lauren and Allison, and great-nieces, Kassidy and Emily.
She was preceded in death by her dad, Dick Grange, who passed away in July, 2012, and infant daughter, Jessica, November 1977.
Jan was supported by an incredible team of loyal and loving friends through her cancer experience. With grateful hearts the family acknowledges Gerald and Janice Desmet, Marjorie Gardner, Jessica Glover, Brandi Stark, and Julie North. Special thanks to Cindy Harker from Catholic Community Services and to Trina Jenkins of Hospice SW.
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, July 1, 2013, at 4:00 p.m. at "Grangeville," 6000 NE 63rd St., Vancouver.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Southwest or Catholic Community Services.
"Friends are the flowers in the garden of life,"
and Jannie was a bright and uniquely beautiful
bloom in the hearts of those who love her.
Please sign her guestbook at www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jan Grange
Jan and Freckles Poteet at the Rainbow Ranch
Beck and Cheryl
July 25, 2013
Jan,
You touched our lives with such Peace and Grace, what a wonderful, warm hearted person to all who knew you. You brought joy to all .We feel vey blessed to have called you our friend. We are grateful for the friendship you always shared with us.
Lynn Poteet
July 5, 2013
A new flower blooms in God`s garden. Our loss is heaven`s gain. Jannie, our hearts ache til we meet again,with love,Bill,Lynn & Poteet family
July 3, 2013
It is one week later and almost the exact time that I kissed my dear sister goodbye...Jannie was an incredible example of courage,strength and grace as she lead us all through this dreaded cancer experience. I will remember her strong will and spirit as she faced this diagnosis. I will always love my "seester", Poceto. I am comforted knowing your battle is over and you may rest in peace AND be in the fun loving company of our dear Daddy and all the loved ones who were there to welcome you home.
Mary K Dulany
July 1, 2013
Heaven is a better place now that it is home to our Jan. I met Jan through our friend Julie North and feel so blessed to have known such a kind and precious lady. She could light up a room with her caring and generous spirit and was so full of joy. Jan had a way of reaching out to family and friends that was unlike anyone I have ever known.
So very sorry to all family and friends for this huge loss. Now she is an Angel and at peace for all eternity. She was loved by many and will be missed more than words could ever say. My thoughts and prayers are with you, her Family and friends. May your many precious memories bring comfort at this time of great sadness.
God Bless.
How you can show support
crystal springer
July 1, 2013
Jan was a wonderful person I got to know her while she was working at the old post office antique mall she was always happy. My thoughts are with her family.
Mary Holland
July 1, 2013
I met Jan when she came to Illinois to spend time with her good friend, Julie. From the moment I met her, she was like an instant friend. So kind, so happy and so loving...she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Prayers for her family.
Mary Burns Keller
July 1, 2013
I was fortunate enough to meet Jan thru my dear friend Julie North. I visited her and she came to Decatur to visit! What a special, fun loving, talented lady she was!! She is going to be "one special angel" in heaven!! We will meet again someday Jan!!! Love to all of your family!!
The Jones-Graves Family
July 1, 2013
Our love & prayers are with Jan's dear family and wonderful friends. With deepest sadness & a lifetime of love,
Linda, Terri & Tom
Mary Jo Kocar
July 1, 2013
I met Jan only once when she came to Illinois. She walked right up to me and without hesitation gave me the biggest, warmest hug simply because I was the friend of her friend. She was a great lady, and will be missed by many. Rest in peace Jan.
Julie Willis
July 1, 2013
Prayers to Jan's family and friends. I only got to meet Jan for the first time last summer when she was visiting Jukie in Illinois and was so thrilled to finally meet her.
Julie North
July 1, 2013
Jannie was my best friend and we shared our highs and lows together and we were always there for each other. Jannie was like a sister to me, and she shared her life and family with me, as I did mine over 32 years. I am thankful to have spent time with her these last few months. I believe she is now the Master Gardner of All Eternity, and the angels are surrounding her while she works her magic. Jan loved her boys and her grandchildren and her family, and she touched the lives of many people who met her. Our family sends their love and hearfelt thoughts today. Love Jukie
Leeann Hayes
June 30, 2013
May God keep Jan's family in His Hand during this time.
Class of 1967,
Julia Thomas
June 30, 2013
A wonderful lady. An enormous loss. Jan has my respect and admiration for ever. So very sad to see the good leave us.
Paul and Gina Lukas
June 30, 2013
Tyler our thoughts are with you and your family, we love you.
jeanne & mike gardner
June 30, 2013
so very sorry for your loss, we have been keeping you in our prayers and will continue to wish you peace and healing. Jan was a generous, talented creative, loving, funny and loyal friend. I valued her wisdom and am grateful for making her acquaintance.
Michele Freeman
June 30, 2013
Your mom was a fantastic woman and a dear friend. I will miss her every day. Having known her for the last 20 years has been one of the most special experiences in my life. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her sons and all of her family. Loved her so much.
June 30, 2013
To my classmate and friend Jan. Many memories of long ago. Soar like a Eagle Class of 1967! Sincerely, Sharon Dole of Vancouver.
June 30, 2013
Jan touched my life in a way I will forget. An amazing woman with a heart of gold. Never forgotten, always missed and until we meet again.... Love to you Jannie and family
Bob Walters
June 30, 2013
Jannie,
What a fun person to be around! I will always remember our trip to your place and your trip to ours. I know you really enjoyed riding in the tractor and combine during harvest in Illinois. I am truly saddened. What a sweetheart she was! Papa Dick was a great guy too!
Amy, Shawn, Kassidy & Emilee Doehne
June 30, 2013
My thoughts & prayers are with all of you during this time.
Anna Rider
June 30, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. She was a great woman & Mother & one of a kind! She will be greatly missed.
Love you guys!
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
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