Jenna Caroline Litz joined her heavenly family on August 7, 2017 in Richland, WA. She was born in Statesville, NC on December 2, 1959 to her parents Loretta Loraine (Barnes) and Harold Brenton Litz. She was the youngest of four sisters – oldest, Starla Rene, followed by Gerry LoAnn and Patricia Sue. Jenna was a delight to her family and to her grandmother Anna Barnes who always held a special bond with Jenna. She was spoiled by her Uncle John Barnes, many cousins and other members of the family. Her father’s work always moved them to the next big job,  Jenna has lived in NC, VA, CA, CO, OH, NY, AK, HI, IN, IL, LA & WA. She has visited almost every state through traveling and vacations with the family. She was also able to visit Thailand at the young age of 5.

Jenna was always a very happy and smiling child. Her long shiny blonde hair, beautiful blue eyes and wonderful smile always paved the road for a happy existence. She was very loving and always ready to give a hug.

Born with Down Syndrome, Jenna was not able to attend school most of her life, except for a few months in Fairbanks, AK (age 16). Having a lovingly overprotective mother, Jenna was homeschooled where she learned her letters, numbers and how to write the names of people she loved. Jenna loved to draw pictures and make cards for her family and friends. She had so many crayons and markers that she couldn’t find containers large enough to hold them. She was determined to cheer someone up with a special picture she drew for them no matter the day it was.

She enjoyed listening to music and had hundreds of 45 lp’s as well as large vinyl records; she had a magical way of cataloging them somehow.  Jenna always claimed she wanted to be a singing star someday. Later she applied the same catalog techniques to cassette tapes, magazines, books then video tapes (hundreds & hundreds). She was always eager to watch movies and up to date on her soap operas. She would learn all the names of the actors and actresses, watching them as much as possible.

Jenna loved attending amusement parks for the rides, antique cars and delicious food, but the entertainment was her favorite part. She absolutely loved hearing her idols sing in person and live.

Picnics in the park, games and other outdoor activities were some of Jenna’s favorite things. She had a love for water, though she could not swim; pools, lakes, rivers or oceans were all beautiful to Jenna.

She came to live with her best friend – her sister Patty & Brother in Law Glen. They enjoyed making treats for the holidays and special occasions; Jenna loved to decorate for any occasion. Her favorites were wrapping presents and carving Jack-O-Lanterns with Glen for Halloween.

In the summertime, Jenna loved working in the yard. She would pick the fruit, run through the sprinklers, play in the pool and relax on the front porch swing.

Jenna enjoyed trips to the Oregon Coast as well. Whether it was playing in the sand, putting her feet in the surf, feeding popcorn to seagulls, roasting hotdogs and marshmallows or watching the people pass by on the beach; Jenna always had a good time. She would end her trips with a new sweatshirt or jacket to wear.

In the winter she would enjoy going to the movies or driving around touring the Christmas lights. Periodically she would attend a basketball game for her step nephews or nieces. McDonalds was always pleasing for Jenna, she loved McChicken’s with fries, a chocolate shake and apple pie.

She loved all of her pets in her lifetime – dogs, cats, ducks, ponies and horses; and they loved her back. And she loved her niece and nephew, playing with them as they grew up.

Jenna’s biggest sorrows in life have been the loss of her loved ones. With each ones passing, she would lose a bit of herself. She used to enjoy going out to the cemetery to visit their grave, and invite their spirit home with us for the holidays, but it became too difficult for her to walk out to the graves. Now it is those who are left that will miss her. We love you sweet Jenna. She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law Patty and Glen Davis; niece, Tracy McGrath; nephew, Kevin Davis and grandniece Arianna Coleman. She has many cousins in NC, CO, NM and CA, as well as a step niece. Tanya (Randy); step nephew, Chris (Jen and 5 children).

The family invites you to Visitation at Einan’s at Sunset Chapel on Tuesday, August 15, 2017 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, followed by the Funeral Service at 6:00pm. Dedication at the graveside will follow the funeral service at Sunset Gardens, 915 ByPass Hwy in Richland, WA.