Janet Ruth Harper's Obituary
JANET RUTH HARPER
In October 2022 Janet fell ill and was hospitalized. She never fully recovered. Peace and freedom from pain came February 16, 2023. Janet was born November 25, 1940 in Colville, WA. to Ross Miles and Florence Ruth (Rieper) Harper. In 1947 the family moved to the South Tacoma State Game Farm on Phillips road where Ross worked as a game warden. Janet helped her mother cook for and feed the workers. It was here she found her love for riding horses. After graduating from Clover Park High School and some general studies in banking and financial management, Janet started her banking career which lasted almost 30 years. When her father died, Janet moved in with and cared for her mother, helping her with her Irish Setters. Janet never married or had children of her own but chose to care for and love friends and family less fortunate than her. After retiring from the bank, Janet became actively involved at the Tillicum American Lakes Garden Community Service Center where her brother was a member of the Board of Directors. Janet held many positions on the board and in 2014 when the center faced financial problems, Janet became the Executive Director and benefactor, a position she held until her death. Proceeding her were her parents and brother Kenneth Ross Harper. She is survived by nephew Kenneth Russell Harper, nieces Leslie (Sue) Hoffman and Rebecca Tawyea, numerous cousins and her friends at T.A.L.G.C.S.C.. A memorial service will be held on March 20, 2023, 1:00 P.M., at the Tillicum Center, 14916 Washington Ave. S.W., Lakewood WA., 98498. Burial will be at 11:00 am Sunset Lane Memorial Park Port Orchard, WA., April 21, 2023. Celebration of Life will be held April 22, 2023 at Mountain View Funeral Home at 2:00 pm, Aspen Chapel, 4100 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood, WA. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Tillicum Community Center in Janet’s name.
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