Lois Ruth Janes

July 10, 1932–September 10, 2021

Lois Ruth Janes, age 89, of Dayton, Wash., died peacefully at her home on September 10, 2021.

Ruth was born on July 10, 1932 in Dayton. Her parents were Glen and Beulah (Morgan) Hutchens. Ruth grew up on the family farm on Eckler Mountain and attended school there, except in winter when she was taught at home. In high school, she lived in Dayton with her sisters, graduating in 1950 as Valedictorian of her class.

Ruth married Bennie Warren Janes of Reform, Ala. on October 2, 1950 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. After Warren's short time in the Army, they lived in Walla Walla, Wash., where Ruth worked in bookkeeping for Wid Johnson Motors. In 1956 they moved to Anna, Il., where for nearly 20 years, Ruth and Warren owned and operated the Twin City Cleaners and raised their 4 children. In 1976, Ruth returned to Dayton where she and Warren owned City Cleaners and Laundromat, which they operated until retiring in 1994.

Ruth was a faithful member of Dayton First Christian Church, assisting the Treasurer at times and also served as Secretary for a while. She was a regular volunteer at the Dayton Food Bank, and she enjoyed being a member of the Friends of the Library, serving several years as President. She was also active with the Dayton Hospital Auxiliary, Friends of the Fairgrounds and Dayton Sr. Center.

Until recent years, she took great joy in attending the County Fair, Alumni Weekend activities, Christmas Kickoff, and All Wheels Weekend. She had a great love of cats and flowers, especially roses, and won many fair ribbons for her flower entries. She also enjoyed fly fishing, singing, and performing in local theater productions. In the 1980's she looked forward each year to working with her two sisters on quilts, aprons and homemade Christmas ornaments.

After retirement, Ruth and Warren took many trips to visit the kids and grandkids in California, Chicago area and Indiana; and visited relatives in Minnesota, Mississippi and Alabama. She especially loved their trips to Branson, Mo. for all the shows, a trip to Disney World with daughter, Linda; trip to Alaska with daughter Susan and husband Gary, seeing the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival with her 3 daughters, and a trip to the Old Time Fiddlers in Weiser, Idaho with daughter Patsy and Grandson Michael.

Upon Warren's death in 2010, daughter, Linda moved to Dayton to be a companion and caretaker for Ruth until her death.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and sisters Dorothy Martin, Ina Mae McCleary and brother, Raymond Hutchens.

Ruth is survived by three daughters, Patsy (Dan) Linert of Valparaiso, Ind., Susan (Gary) Balling of Long Beach, Ind., Linda Miller of Dayton, and son, Ron Janes (Kerry) of Lincoln, Calif.., grandsons Brian and Michael Linert, Logan Janes and granddaughter Mackenna Janes. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews in Dayton and Walla Walla.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Marion Mattern, Ruth's caretaker and angel during her final days.

Per Ruth's wishes, no public service will be held. Memorials may be made to the Dayton Community Food Bank, Dayton Community Health Foundation, or Dayton First Christian Church. Hubbard-Rogg Funeral Home in Dayton is caring for the family.