Woodlawn Funeral Home Obituaries

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Janet Threlkeld , Age: 73

January 25, 1950 - August 01, 2023

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Janet Elizabeth Threlkeld, born on January 25 th 1950 in Portland Oregon to Rita and Glen

Turner was surrounded by loved ones when she passed away on August 1 st 2023 after a two

year battle with endometrial cancer. As a child she developed a passion for adventure having

lived in Germany, Mississippi, New Mexico, Japan, Colorado, and Clarkston Washington. A

graduate of Washington State University with a degree in Anthropology in 1972, Janet had a

passion for Pacific Northwest history having worked at an archaeological dig site in Ozette

Washington in 1971. During this time, Janet met her husband, and lifelong friends and co-

conspirators affectionately known as the “Cougar Ladies” who would be with her to the end.

After her early career as an admitting supervisor and special projects manager at St. Peter

Hospital in Olympia, Janet went back to school to pursue her original passion for teaching.

Fulfilling a lifelong goal, Janet obtained her secondary education teaching certificate from St.

Martin’s University in Lacey Washington, in 1996. Her perseverance during this time left an

indelible impression on her two sons and many nieces and nephews, living by the mantra that

“doing nothing was the only mistake” one could make. After a year of substitute teaching, Janet

served as an English and History teacher at Yelm High School and Middle School from 1997 to

2013 where she realized her goal of teaching Pacific Northwest History. From her participation

in a babysitting coop in the 1980s that evolved into to her much loved book group, to her many

teaching associates, Janet cultivated innumerable friendships anchored in joy and mutual

respect. During retirement she traveled extensively with her husband, logging many cruises

including one through the panama canal, three cross country road trips hitting nearly all lower

48 states and many flights to see her granddaughter in New England. Throughout her life, Janet

extended herself to those in need, offering hearth, home and her thoughtful ear - a living

example of her Catholic faith. Janet is survived by her husband of 51 years Robert Threlkeld,

two sons Kevin Threlkeld and Dr. Steven Threlkeld, their partners and her granddaughter Lillian,

and her sisters Mardiese, Glenda, and Debbie and brother Bob.

Additional Service: Celebration of Life

Location: Woodlawn Funeral Home

Address: 5930 Mullen RD SE

City: Lacey

State: Washington

Zip Code: 98503

Date of Service: August 25, 2023

Time of Service: 2:00pm

Additional Information: No Additional Information Added

Google Map: Click Here to see Location on Map.

Additional Service: Reception