Janice was born on October 12, 1953, in Honolulu Hawaii, and passed away in Kennewick, Washington on July 3, 2024, surrounded and comforted by family.

Janice was the eldest of three children to Marshall and Lila Wight.  Soon after her birth, the family relocated to Southern California. Janice took a lot of pride growing up in “The Valley” California and enjoyed telling stories that frequently involved her siblings David and Evie. These stories were often about friends, experiences in Hollywood, exciting and sometimes covert trips to the beach, and of the many animals they had as children. Janice graduated from Chatsworth High School in 1971.  After graduation, Janice moved to the Bay Area where she worked as a waitress. One of her favorite stories was of the times she served Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs, of Apple fame.

In 1982, Janice and her son, Shawn, moved to the Tri-Cities to be closer to her parents and siblings who had relocated to the area. One of Janice’s first jobs in the Tri-Cities was working at the Meadow Springs Country Club. Soon after she welcomed the birth of her second son, Steven.  She eventually found her dream job as a licensed insurance representative for Jim Ostrander at his State Farm Insurance office in Richland. In May of 2000, a man named Bill sat down with Janice to discuss an insurance policy. That chance conversation was followed up by a first date at Casa Mia. In June of 2003, they married at a small home ceremony at Bill’s brother and sister-in-law’s home, Robert and Ruth Tanner. While on their honeymoon in Oahu Hawaii, their seven-day stay was not nearly enough time to soak in the sights, sun, and each other’s company so they extended their stay to three weeks.

Janice and Bill continued to work until their retirements in February 2012 and March 2017, respectively. Their tireless work efforts continued when they owned and operated William H. Tanner Consulting, LLC for several years. As Bill would lovingly say, ‘Janice was the brains of the business.’

Janice was an uplifting charismatic person and a gifted orator. She completed and won several Toastmaster awards. She enjoyed trips with friends, Becky and Chris, by attending the theater in Seattle. In addition to frequent travels, Janice and Bill enjoyed boating, fishing and scuba diving. Janice loved to go flying with Bill and continuously encouraged his hobbies, especially woodworking.  Janice was a doting, encouraging, and dedicated mother, often putting the needs of her sons before her own.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents Marshall and Lila. Janice is survived by her husband Bill; her sons Steven (Jessica) and Shawn; her brother David (Lisa); her sister Evie; her brother Lyle, along with their families.

A celebration of life to honor Janice will be held on July 26, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. at Einan’s Sunset Funeral Home Chapel, Building H, located at 915 Bypass Highway, Richland, Washington, where friends and family can share memories and comfort one another.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the caregivers at Solutions In-Home Care and Horse Heavens Adult Family Home for the exemplary care provided to Janice and the family.

Janice will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, sister and friend. Her sweet spirit and loving nature will continue to inspire those who knew her. Janice will be deeply missed, especially her radiant smile. Just knowing Janice made you a better person.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Janice’s name to the ASPCA or the Alzheimer’s Association.