December 3, 1937 – May 11, 2024
Janet was born in Nespelem, Washington to Elmer and Sarah (Stapleton) Wynecoop on December 3, 1937.
She passed away peacefully May 11, 2024.
She is survived by her children June Watson (Scott), Steve Ward (Debbie) and Joe Ward (Tosh).
Also, her step-children Robert Ward, Glen Ward, and Lisa Ward.
She has four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her younger sister Shannon, her father Elmer, her mother Sarah, her brother Phil, and her Aunt Grace.
She grew up on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Wellpinit, Washington. She learned to be a great fisherwoman, hunter, gardener, and food preserver. She also drove a wheat truck during harvest.
While attending Wellpinit High School she was active in student council, the school paper, sports, and 4-H. In 4-H she sewed a wool dress and jacket that won her first place at the Washington State Fair.
Playing basketball she was named the MVP her senior year, graduating as the salutatorian in 1955.
She attended Kinman Business University from 1964-1966. Then she was hired by the Northern Pacific railroad as a clerk.
In the 1970’s women were allowed to study to be a Locomotive Engineer for Burlington Northern Railroad.
Janet was one of a few women who became the first in the United States to achieve that. She worked in that capacity until retirement in 1989.
Janet and Rod Mummey met while working for the railroad.
They were married on July 2, 1999
Rod preceded her in death.
Janet was an adventurous person always looking for the next bit of fun.
She traveled the world. United States, Canada, Mexico, China, Bahama Islands, Central America, and Europe.
She like to camp to chop firewood, hunt, fish, or just have fun. She rode motorcycles, 4 wheelers, and snowmobiles.
She piloted many sizes of boats, including ocean going vessels.
Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were always included in the fun.
She was a faithful spectator in watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren in the sport of their many choices. That including traveling with her van hauling kids to the out-of-town events.
A celebration for the lives of Janet and her brother Phillip Wynecoop who preceded her in death will be held on the Spokane Indian Reservation at the Longhouse in Wellpinit, Washington on August 24th at 11:00 am.
Memorial contributions can be made to Horizon Hospice of Spokane in her honor.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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