Janice was born in South Bend, WA on November 3, 1931, to Bernard and Mae Koenekamp. The family moved from their coastal home eventually settling in Zillah, WA where they farmed a fruit ranch. Janice had many fond memories growing up in the countryside of the lower valley. She graduated from Zillah High School where she played the snare drum, was a class officer and member of the school's glee club. She married James Guy Newbill of Wapato, WA on September 17, 1951. They had met at a youth church function that brought the youth of neighboring communities together. Janice and Jim spent a majority of their married life in the Yakima Valley where they raised their three daughters.
After high school Janice became a lodger at the YWCA in Yakima with the express purpose of attending Yakima's Whitman Business College, focusing on typing and billing. Because of the exemplary skills she developed, she was called upon to assist in the instruction of other students. Upon graduation she put those skills to further use by working for twenty five years as a secretary for the Yakima School District. It was a perfect fit for her as the hours allowed her to make sure that she was always home when her girls were home.
Her personal interests were with early American antiques and was an avid collector, active antique club member and shop owner for many years. She loved to quilt, braid rugs, and cane chairs. Growing up in the shadow of the valley's fruit orchards, her cupboards were always filled with endless rows of canned fruit and her apple pies were unparalleled. Her life was a happily busy one but when resting, a book or puzzle always occupied her.
Janice was preceded in death by her husband Jim of 67 years and is survived by her three daughters, Catherine (Eric) Parker, Barbara (Fronty) Parker and Mary (Don) Matney, six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Her steadfast love and devotion to her family will be greatly missed.
Private memorial services pending at the Zillah Cemetery
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