Janet Storey

Jan was born Nov. 18, 1924, in Lafayette, Ind., to Royal Roland and Winona High Offenhiser. She had one brother, John James, and one sister, Sally Anne Robinson. She spent part of her childhood in Illinois before she moved at age 9 with her mother and siblings to Lewiston. She and her sister were raised by "Grandmother High," and they were taught courtesy, self-reliance and an incredible work ethic.

Janet was a graduate of the St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing. She met Stanley Eugene Storey while working as a student nurse when he was admitted to the hospital for an appendectomy. Both related somewhat different stories about the meeting and ensuing courtship; however, the relationship was enduring. Stan contacted Janet soon after he was discharged and, following a whirlwind romance, they eloped to Moscow. Jan finished her nursing education and periodically worked part time at St. Joseph Hospital, commuting from the family farm. They were married 72 years, living 69 years in the family farmhouse where they started their marriage. Jan used to say, "if both you and your mate think you let the other person have their way 75 percent of the time, you're probably about 50/50."

When Janet began her life as a farm wife, she said she didn't know how to cook. Quickly her mother-in-law, with whom they lived, taught her the art of volume cooking for the farm work crews. She always said that "you can get men to eat anything. If it's a main course, put gravy on it, if it's dessert, use whipped cream." She used to tell her family, "today's menu choices are 'take it or leave it.'" Janet actually became quite a good cook and had some unparalleled recipes that the family recreates on a regular basis. Favorites are Aunt Clara's cherry chocolate cake, sugar cookies and haystack potatoes. Jan's favorite color was red and her favorite food was potatoes. She ate potatoes at almost every meal, therefore when expecting their first child, Stan announced he was going to be named Spud; her response was indignant and negative. As they expected their second child, Stan again stated "you eat so many potatoes, I'm calling this child Spud." She again refused to consider the name appropriate. With the third pregnancy, the naming ritual began again and she said she was too tired to object, therefore his name became Spud.

Jan and Stan had four children, Randolph Rex, Micheal Steven, Walter "Spud" and Candice Jill Storey. Spud and Jill are still living. They raised their children on the farm, where the boys were taught to work, hunt, fish and enjoy life. Jan, never a lover of the outdoors, and Jill enjoyed sewing, reading and playing games. She always said her idea of a perfect lawn was cement that had been painted green with holes for the trees. She did love flowers, though, and always had red geraniums on the porch and a rose garden. Jan and Stan had six grandchildren, Jeni Bloom, Ira Storey (Corrie), Sara Sauve (Charlie), Bill Storey (Bree), Ali Storey (Brian Ferry) and Conner Storey; and eight great-grandchildren.

Jan loved to read; her granddaughter Sara describes her as the "original Google search," and said whenever there was an unanswered question they said "call Grandma, she'll look it up in the encyclopedia," and she almost always had the answer. She also loved playing cards, was a crossword wizard and thoroughly loved company and the opportunity to share life stories. She collected cut glass, cardinals and Royal Doulton figurines. She could tell you each figurine's name, and where, when and how she got them.

Stan was a trapshooter. Though Jan was not interested in the sport, she loved the camaraderie and friendships. They traveled to Arizona for several years so Stan could participate in the "winter chain" and Jan could spend time playing cards, sharing stories and making new friends.

Jan was a very self-sufficient person; Stanley had confidence that she could manage anything. During times Stan was away, Jan would arrange contractors, roofers, electricians or whatever trade was needed to repair, remodel or update their home, and upon his return there would be a new kitchen, bedroom or roof. Jan turned an older homestead house into a comfortable, welcoming home. Her ingenuity to accomplish the things that needed to be done can be easily appreciated with this story. One day when she and Sara were driving to town, she spotted a police officer in a speed trap; she accelerated and cruised past him about 20 mph above the speed limit. Sara gasped and asked why. She replied that she'd asked Stan to put new tags on the car for a month. When the police officer asked "Do you know why I pulled you over?" she said "yes, I was speeding," and (helpfully) pointed out that her tags were expired. He offered to put the tags on for her, but she said, "No, you'll write me a speeding ticket and you'll be sure to include the expired tags on the citation."

Janet loved special occasions, but especially cherished Christmas and holiday music. Following Thanksgiving, decorations would come out and the Christmas carols would begin. Tradition required all family to arrive for Christmas Eve celebration in the late afternoon. Christmas music boxes would sing, animated Santas, snowmen and Christmas dolls would dance. Games, fellowship and laughter proceeded and followed the annual dinner of hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, and peas.

Jan lost her vision to macular degeneration around 2000. She also developed severe food allergies that limited her diet. As an avid reader and hostess with ready treats, these changes were profound and created many challenges. With her undaunted independent and stubborn nature she adapted to these changes, began using books on tape, learned to cook safely, and through her efforts sustained their life "on the farm" until 2013. When they moved to town, they left their home of 69 years. Through these significant life changes, Jan never lost her amazing graciousness nor her "I can do it" attitude, and weeks before her death she still insisted on helping with dishes, folding clothes and offering to cook.

Despite the health challenges she experienced in her later years, Janet never lost her commitment to care for self and family, help others nor her sense of hospitality. Stan passed away April 22, 2016. Her anchor for life was lost and her health, energy and life vitality faded quickly. She wanted to be with Stanley, stating "after 72 years, it's not fair we are not together." She joined him on June 13, 2016. The gifts of love, strength, perseverance and independence remain with her family and will always be treasured by her family and friends.

A celebration of the lives of Janet and Stanley Storey will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Masonic Lodge, 1122 18th Ave., Lewiston.

The family suggests donations be made in memory of Janet to St. Joseph Family Hospice, P.O. Box 719, Lewiston, ID 83501; or Shriners Hospitals for Children, P.O. Box 2472, Spokane, WA 99210-2472.