Jane Lorraine Landes

Jane Lorraine Landes
May 2, 1920 - August 25, 2022

Jane Landes, 102, passed away early Thursday at her home in Monmouth. She left this world a better place.

Jane was born in Yakima, Washington. She excelled in school and worked her way through Northwest Bible School by picking hops, berries and green beans. During World War II she pulled green chain. Because of her musical talent she was invited, but declined the opportunity to travel with an evangelist. It may be that Walter, her future husband, influenced that decision.

Walter and Jane married in 1945. With four children to feed Walter left early in the 1950’s to the wilds of Alaska seeking his fortune - well, actually to support the struggling family. A few years later he announced that he had secured a 42 acre homestead in Soldotna on the Kenai River. Jane packed up four children, a Chihuahua and La Pew (the pet skunk) to live in a single room cabin with adjoining trailer and outdoor privy. Walter continued to work remotely while Jane (and kids) packed water from the river, chopped wood for heat and cooking, and planted acres of barley. When the road had snow that could not be cleared with a log chained behind the jeep and blankets that were frozen in the morning it was time to head for the comforts in Seward. She worked in a unique store called Osbo’s who had just about everything from electrical and plumbing supplies to crystal bowls and left over World War II candy. The children attended school moving between Kenai and Seward each year.

Six years of single-handedly rearing 4 children and managing the homestead was difficult but it was the unexpected that changed her life trajectory. March 1964 the Alaska Earthquake devastated Seward. Jane decided that it was time to follow her passion. She moved to Monmouth, graduated from Oregon College of Education (now Western Oregon University) and started her career in Dallas, Oregon. Her nearly twenty years as an elementary school teacher impacted hundreds of children. Her number one philosophy: all students will learn to read! Her commitment to make every child feel important, accepted, and cherished resulted in a legacy that still brings former students to visit.

As a young child she heard the song “On the Jericho Road” and from that point on she decided to follow the teaching of Christ. She studied the bible and regularly attended church. She was a prayer warrior with an uncanny ability to discern trouble. Her solution to all unsolvable problems was to get on her knees and pray. Throughout her long life she attempted to model Christ as a friend, mentor, encourager, advocate, coupled with the deep conviction to make a positive difference for other people. She used her musical talent playing the piano and organ for 1000’s of church services and was requested countless times to play for weddings, funerals and special events. She taught Sunday School even as a teen and spent 42 years as a bookkeeper for Cornerstone Church of God. Pastor McMillian said she would spend hours looking for a penny discrepancy.

Jane (Calamity Jane) loved adventure. She treasured the pictures of places she had visited throughout the US, Europe, Middle East, Central America and China. Her travels after retirement were notorious. She rafted the Deschutes River for her 80th birthday, rode a wagon on the Oregon Trail for a week and hiked the pyramids in Guatemala at age 81, and walked the Great Wall of China at 85. Age was not a factor when making decisions; in fact at 92 she addressed the Oregon Legislative committee arguing that limiting a Federal Judge appointment after 70 was age discrimination. She knew how to politely champion a cause that she felt unjust. Once her goals were set the challenge was to succeed using patience, determination with her sights on the long range vision.


Yes, so much more! For years she was a member of TOPS (Taking Off Pounds), Gleaners, Grange and Dallas Lions Club often taking a leadership role. Smart, with an amazing sense of humor she was a story-teller (mostly truthful) and created skits and plays designed to make people laugh. She loved to garden, watch birds and spend hours in long conversations. Jane used her biblical wisdom and long years of experience to counsel those who sought her advice. She listened to that still small voice; reoccurring messages meant she needed to act.

Jane is survived by Sally Brandenfels, Susan Gartland, Walter (Laura) Landes Jr. and Charlie (Christie) Landes and Lynn Meyer. She has four grandchildren (Naomi, Rebecca, Terra and Amanda); five great-grandchildren (McKenzie, Harmony, Zola, Uri and Ezri) and a great-great-grandchild (Kassidie). Malinda, Hermalinda, and Lumina Hospice provided wonderful care and the family is grateful for their service.

In honor of Jane, there will be a Celebration of Life service Friday, September 2 at 11:00 AM at Cornerstone Church of God.