Mary Ruth Stevens Janke

September 16, 1929 ~ June 21, 2022 (age 92)

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Mary Ruth Janke Obituary
Mary Ruth Stevens-Janke was born in the family home near Livonia, Missouri – just a few miles from the Iowa state line. She passed away in Canby, Oregon.

Her last name would have been Newkirk, but her Dutch great grandfather, Thomas, and his two brothers took their stepfather’s name when their mother married Amos Stevens in 1854. Mary Ruth was the youngest of four children, and the only girl. Her father like to move a lot, mostly for work opportunities, so she lived in several states including Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Colorado, Washington, and Oregon.

She married Elmer Janke in May of 1950 in Yakima, Washington, where they made their home until the fall of 1966 when they moved the family to Portland, Oregon. Elmer then began his career at Shriners Hospital for Children as an orthotist/prosthetist and Mary Ruth began working at United Medical Laboratory in the cytology department.

Mary Ruth taught us many things. She taught some of us to crochet, and several of us have afghans she made for us. She taught some of us cooking, baking, canning, and gardening and many other things. Her love language was food. She was an excellent cook and baker and loved to feed people. If anyone ever left her house hungry, it wasn’t her fault. Most of all she demonstrated to us how to be a generous and loving mother and friend.

Mary Ruth is now resting in Terrace Heights Cemetery in Yakima, lying next to Elmer (who passed away in 2003). Her parents, two of her brothers, and many other family and friends are also resting there.

Mary Ruth is survived by her sons Darrell Janke of Spokane Valley, Washington, Dave Janke of Canby, Oregon, and her daughter Sue (Janke) Conyers of Happy Valley, Oregon, as well as seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Memorial service will be held on August 13, 2022, 3:00 PM, at Sunnyside Seventh-day Adventist Church 10501 SE Market St, Portland, OR 97216.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Providence Heart Institute.

Services

Memorial Service

Saturday

August 13, 2022

3:00 PM

Sunnyside SDA Church

3 replies on “Mary Ruth Stevens Janke”

We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Riverview Abbey Funeral Home
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As a kid on a car trip, I couldnt wait to get to her house. Nothing fancy there, just hugs, kisses, laughter, good food and LOTS of it! She made the best dinner rolls and caramel corn. Her memory was sharp and she knew everyone! What a blessing to this earth and I know Ill see her in Heaven. Rest In Peace until we meet again, Aunt Ruthie!