Janet Ruth Pedersen, 77

Janet Ruth Pedersen, 77, of Hayden, Idaho, was peacefully welcomed through the gates of heaven Aug. 6, 2024. She was born May 4, 1947, in Wallace, Idaho. She was adopted shortly thereafter by her new parents, Einar and Cora Pedersen. Janet was the youngest of their three children.

Jan was raised in Big Creek, Idaho, and attended school in Kellogg. On Oct. 27, 1962, at the age of 15, she married Fred Blakney. They had two sons, Jeff and Ronnie. They divorced in 1969 after seven years of marriage. In 1971, she married Ernest Willette, 20 years her senior. They had three children: Michael, Joshua and Michelle. At that time, Ernest had 10 children of his own from a previous marriage. Jan brought them into the fold and mothered them just like her own. They were married for seven years and divorced in 1978. In 1980, Jan married Bill Fowler, and they had one son, Christopher. Bill had three children from a previous marriage. Jan also mothered them as her own. They were married for seven years and were divorced in 1987.

In her earlier years, Jan worked as a waitress at the Davenport Hotel in Spokane and at the Ritz Cafe in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Jan would tell you that her favorite job ever was as the Food Services Manager at North Idaho College in Coeur d'Alene. She readily made friends with the faculty and students, and just like a hand in a glove, it was a perfect fit for her. She went on to spend the next 22 years giving it her very best. Her exceptional work ethic was like none other, and she gained much respect and admiration. Some of her employees have been known to say of her, "She was our boss, of course, but she never reminded us of that fact; that just wasn't her style. She just treated us all equally, with respect, and we knew she was our friend!" That, in and of itself, was the only incentive needed to give her their all, and she often bragged that she was very proud of her "dream team."

Jan moved many times during her lifetime. She lived in Idaho, Washington, Montana and Alberta, Canada. She finally bought a home and settled back in Idaho. When given the news, "Pack it all up, we are moving," she never took it as bad news but looked at the changing situation as another opportunity for an adventure! Regardless of where we settled, she always gave her best effort to make our new house a home. Through the years, she has been known to say to her children, "Remember, home is always where your heart is." 

Jan loved the outdoors. When she was younger, she was an avid skier. She also enjoyed fishing and hunting. She had lots of stories about fishing on the boat and hunting camp. She enjoyed camping with her family, particularly the family reunions up Grizzly Creek. She loved a good huckleberry-picking adventure and a nice drive up in the mountains. She enjoyed a good seafood buffet and winning at the casino. As long as she was with family and friends, Janet was happy. 

Jan had a passion for cooking and was like a virtual whirlwind in the kitchen! But it didn't matter about the mess; she was just expressing herself and having fun! She loved hosting the large holiday family gatherings because it made her so happy. Jan cherished those times immensely. She made sure every child had a present under her tree. All of her school-aged grandchildren and great-grandchildren had a present to open at Christmas. It was a big deal to get a present from Grandma Jan. So many wonderful memories were created in her living room. 

Music made her happy. She shared her love of music with her family and she enjoyed the times the family would gather and sing karaoke. Jan was also well known for her love of driving and would often take family and friends on impromptu road trips with no clear destination! Only God Himself knew where you might end up! Nonetheless, it was always an experience and a wonderful memory made.

Jan’s personality set her apart from most others as she was a light-hearted woman who always had a ready smile and was grateful for the little things in life. Jan was extremely loyal, tenacious and very spontaneous. She didn't know a stranger and anyone who was blessed to have known her knew her smile and that she always had a hug with your name on it! Jan was a beacon of beauty, both inside and out, with a sweet and gentle nature that endeared her to everyone she met. She also had the unique ability to make you feel special and we each felt that we were her favorite! Jan was such a proud mother and grandmother, and she always had an abundance of love for everyone. They were her world and she loved them with her whole heart.

Throughout her life, Jan herself was blessed to have so many valuable friends who she held dear. There are not enough words to express the loss to all who knew this beautiful, amazing and deeply loved woman, for she will be forever missed. Her greatest joy in life came from spending time with her extended family and dear friends. She leaves behind a memorable legacy that all of us will cherish for many years to come.

Jan was preceded in death by her father, Einar Pedersen, mother Cora Pedersen, brother Bob Pedersen and sister Lois Bright. She is survived by her six children, 13 stepchildren, 31 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and four more great-grandchildren on the way. 

Jan would say, if given a last opportunity for parting words of wisdom, "Now that I am gone, I don't want any of you to be sad, I want you to smile and celebrate my life! I lived a wonderful life, with each one of you being a special part of it. I have had many amazing adventures and now I have moved on to the best one of them all, to be with God in His eternity, and I will be resting in His peace. I won't be saying goodbye to anyone of you. But I will simply say, I pray I will see each and every one of you later."

A celebration of life gathering will be held at North Idaho College in the Edminster Student Union Building, 495 N. College Drive, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. In honor of her memory, she would want all of you to please spend more of your time with your loved ones and hold them dear to your heart, as our time on earth is SO short!

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory at the event to support the nonprofit Schneidmiller Hospice of North Idaho (www.hospiceofnorthidaho.org), who so compassionately cared for her in her last days.

Please visit Janet's online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.