Janis Lynne Harnden

July 14th, 1951 to February 12th, 2021

Janis Lynne Harnden died on February 12, 2021 in Lake Havasu City, Arizona at the age of 69.

Jan was born to Ruby and Clifton Smith in Kauai, Hawaii on July 14, 1951. She was the youngest of two siblings. Jan’s older brother Warren preceded her in death. She spent most of her life in Camas and Washougal, Washington. There she completed high school, raised four children, and worked a wide variety of jobs including: factory worker, bank teller, bartender, maid, and school bus driver. As a single mother, it was not uncommon for her to work multiple jobs at a time. When asked what her favorite job was, she replied, “school bus driver because I liked connecting with the kids.” Jan had a big heart, an adventurous spirit, and was always open to learning and trying new things.

Jan was a very active, social, and outgoing person who made friends and connections over the course of her life, golfing, and participating in leagues like softball and billiards. She was a proud member of the Eagles Lodge and the Moose Lodge. There, she was an active volunteer, happily donating her time and services. She loved card and dice games, to knit, and crochet (even designing her own patterns.) Jan expressed her creativity as an amateur chef through experimenting with flavors, creating new recipes, and even made her own wine. She grew a vegetable garden, tended a chicken coup, and learned to forage for wild mushrooms. Jan loved to dance and had a passion for music, which she passed onto her children. She was an avid reader, enjoyed movies of all kinds, felt most at home spending time in nature, and was extremely compassionate about animals.

On July 14, 2006, Jan married Michael Harnden. Together, Jan and Mike shared laughter and numerous adventures such as a 5 month road trip, wherein they traveled across the country. The two moved to Lake Havasu City in 2015, which is where she spent her last days, surrounded by loving family members and compassionate care-takers.

Jan is survived by her husband, Michael, her children, David, Jeffery, Sarah, and Heather, two step-children, Danielle and Jeremey, as well as seven grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, one niece, cousins, countless friends, and her dog, Stella. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered as a courageous, caring, hilarious, ornery, fun-loving, and generous person.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jan’s life on July 14, 2021 at 11am in Hathaway Park, Washougal, Washington. This date would have marked her 70th birthday. Come share your memories, reconnect through stories, and exchange photographs in celebration of Jan’s life.