In loving memory of Janis ‘Jan’ Baur: 1954-2021

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Janis “Jan” Mary Baur was born in Milwaukie, Oregon, on April 1, 1954 to Karl and Mary Baur and died at her home in Ridgefield, Washington on Dec. 13, 2021. She faced her death with both courage and grace, surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her beloved son Jordan; brothers Bruce (Nancy) and Rob (Sue); sister Karla; numerous nieces, nephews and her dog Buddy, all of whom supported her through her illness. 

After going to grade schools in Oregon and junior high in California, she graduated from Ridgefield High School and then graduated from Western Washington University in 1976 with majors in child development and psychology. All of her work that followed involved helping people. First, she worked at Waverly Children’s Home, followed by Clark County Juvenile Court. For 35 years she worked for the Washington State Employment Security Department, facilitating job seekers and employers to connect. Unemployment applicants receive their benefits and/or training so they could be successfully employed. Her ability to see herself in another’s shoes was a gift she brought to her relationships with her clients. 

After she retired, she built a house on a corner of the family farm, a place she loved. In retirement, she moved on to another passion. As a lifelong lover of animals, she decided to volunteer for the Humane Society of Southwest Washington at ReTails, the Humane Society’s thrift store instead of the animal shelter. Retails needed volunteers, and Jan needed a way to contribute without filling her house with animals needing adoption. Jan requested that any donations be made in her honor to the Humane Society for Southwest Washington. 

Jan was most content to be curled up with her dogs Buddy and Princess, a good book and a cup of tea. Weekend estate sales were also a passion where she picked up numerous bookshelves to store her collection of books. 

Join the family in celebrating Jan’s life at the family farm on Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 2 p.m. Baurs Corner Farm is located at 4402 NW 169th St., Ridgefield, Washington, 98642.