Janis Elizabeth Tames 62, of Richland, Washington, passed away early Friday morning on February 22, 2013 at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, WA. She was a lifelong resident of the Tri-Cities.

Janis was born on October 5, 1950 in Richland, WA, to Howard and Beatrice Cook, where she attended Jason Lee Elementary, Chief Jo Jr. High and graduated from Columbia Richland High School in 1968. Janis was a "Proud Bomber" and loved attending her high school reunions and was looking forward to attending her 45th this summer. While in high school, she was active in choir and with her church's youth group. She attended and graduated from Clare's Beauty School in Richland, WA in 1969. She was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church in Richland and made many lifelong friendships that have lasted over the years.

Janis met the love of her life, Natividad Tames Jr Taco and were married at First Baptist Church in Richland on November 14, 1970. She was very active in church, volunteering her time with Awana as a Cubbies leader and supporting Missionaries who were serving in other countries. She shared her love of singing as a member of the gospel singing group "Light Shine" & "Joy Song", as well singing in holiday programs, like the Living Christmas Tree. Janis loved to travel, especially when it involved all their friends. She loved riding on the back of Nat's motorcycle, taking road trips with him to Spokane, and especially the Oregon Coast. Janis loved the Cool Desert Nights car show each summer and enjoyed riding in the parade in whatever classic car the two of them were showing that year. She had a love for the Seattle Mariners that was passed down from her Mom & Dad, who were avid fans. She loved experimenting with new recipes and baking new desserts, as she loved to share her goodies with her friends and family. She loved nothing more than spending time with her close group of friends; having lunch with the girls on Tuesday's at Sterling's and their monthly pot-luck gatherings as it was an opportunity for her to hang out with all her girlfriends to chat, play cards and eat wonderful food! Once Janis and Nat retired, they bought their "condo on wheels", a 5th wheel, so that their retirement could be spent traveling, camping and laying on the beaches of the Oregon Coast. Despite her many medical battles over the years, she was determined to live the life she wanted, and the Summer of 2012 allowed her to do all of that until she became ill.

Janis was a retired Beautician, as she was first employed at the Riverside Inn in Richland, WA. For about 6 months she worked for Einan's Funeral Home as a Mortuary Beautician until she swears that she saw a body move and she'd had enough of that. She worked for 25 years at the Hair Hut in Richland, WA., where she made many lifelong friendships with co-workers and customers, who instantly became a part of her family. She also worked for a time as an Avon representative, at the Albertson's bakery in Richland, WA and at Fisherman's Cove in Kennewick, WA. In 1998, Janis opened Janis' Hut, a cozy little beauty shop that she ran out of her home, where she continued to do hair for the next 14 years.

She is survived by her loving husband of 42 years Natividad Tames Jr of Richland, her son Christian Tames of Richland, her daughter Heather Tames of Kennewick, her cousin Terry Mary Gilmore of St Petersburg, MO and many nieces and nephews, and lots of beloved friends that she cherished as family.

Janis is proceeded in death by her parents Howard and Beatrice Cook, her brothers Ronald Cook and Harold Cook, her sister-in-law Meryl Cook, and her nephew Lonnie Cook.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday March 2, 2013 at 11am at the Sunset Memorial Gardens in Richland, WA. Following the graveside service, a Celebration of her life will be held from 1pm-3pm at the First Baptist Church at 1107 Wright Ave, Richland, WA. Please join us at both of these celebrations, Rain or Shine, so that we all can share in the joyous memories of how this amazing woman touched so many of our lives. In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation in honor of her name to the First Baptist Church in Richland at 1107 Wright Ave, Richland, WA.