Janice Johnson Janice Johnson from the 45th reunion

Janice Johnson


Rest In Peace...
June 5, 2022
Janice Johnson Sayler
khjsayler@gmail.com
Updated: June 22, 2022

Janice Johnson SaylerJanice Kay Sayler, 75, of Battle Ground, WA went home to be with Jesus on Sunday, June 5 after a month-long battle with an acute lung disease at Kootenai Health in Coeur d Alene, ID.

Janice was born on November 17, 1946 in Rolla, ND to Loyd and Anne Johnson. After graduating from high school in Moscow, ID in 1964, she went on to study elementary education and music at the University of Idaho. Janice was an active member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority throughout college and served as president for one year while there. She also participated in several operas and musicals, her most memorable being "Oklahoma." After graduation, Janice started her teaching career in Vancouver, WA as a fourth grade teacher at Walnut Grove Elementary School. She also taught at Salmon Creek, Peter S. Ogden, Leiser and Minnehaha Elementary schools throughout her career. Janice received her Masters Degree
in Learning Disabilities from the U of I in 1974. She spent fourteen years working in special education and then as a fourth, fifth, and combo classroom teacher. She taught for thirty years before retiring in 1999. Janice received the School District's Staff Achievement Award for intermediate-grade teachers in 1997.

Janice met the love of her life, Ken, while they were both attending the University of Idaho. They were married January 27, 1968. Janice and Ken had two children, Angie of Post Falls, ID, married to Jace Rutherford and Greg Sayler of Vancouver, WA, married to Andrea. Family was paramount to Janice and she spent much time traveling to watch the various events of each of her grandchildren or to play games or put puzzles together or just to spend time together.

Janice was passionate about her church, Bethel Lutheran, in Brush Prairie, WA, where she was a member for over 43 years. She served as council president, bell choir leader and member, choir leader and member, vacation Bible school teacher, and numerous committees and volunteer positions over the years. Janice was currently serving as the president of the Women of the ELCA Southwest Washington Synod, encompassing 88 churches, helping women throughout the area grow closer in their relationship with the Lord. Janice was a servant leader, always willing to help others and was incredibly generous with her time and talents. Janice also was active in a number of bridge groups and a pinochle group that has been playing since the early 1970's. The void Janice leaves is immeasurable and is felt by all her family and friends.

Janice is survived by her husband, Ken, her daughter, Angie, son-in-law, Jace, son Greg, daughter-in-law, Andrea, seven grandchildren, Jackson Sayler of Pullman, WA, Jennesee and Jaelyn Sayler of Vancouver, WA, Jacob, Cole, Tyson, and Austin Rutherford of Post Falls, ID, her sister and brother-in-law Peggy and Clyde Waterman of Idaho, sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws Pat and Shirley Ackerman of Aumsville, OR and John and Linda McClure of Oakland, CA and sister-in-law Donna Ashley of Happy Valley, OR and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Janice’s memorial service will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church in Brush Prairie, WA on July 23 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Janice Sayler’s name to Bethel Lutheran Church memorial fund, P.O. Box175, Brush Prairie, WA 98606.


Spouse:  Ken

Kids:
     Angie & Jace Rutherford - Jacob, Cole & new baby
     Greg & Andrea Sayler - Jackson, Jennesee & Jaelyn

Forty years!!!!

We can't be that old!  I certainly don't feel that old in my mind!

Ken and I are both retired from education and are thoroughly enjoying ourselves.   We've been getting away from the rainy winters by traveling south in our motorhome and west to Hawaii.   Then we can play golf all year long.

We love being grandparetns to our five grandkids - six by the reunion.  They keep us very young and active.

My sister, Peggy lives in the house I grew up in, so I do get to Moscow occasionally.  Her son is getting married the morning of the reunion, so unfortunately, I won't be there Friday night.

I'm really looking forward to seeing and visiting with everyone.



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