Alice Jane "Janie" Jarrell Gerdes

Alice Jane "Janie" Jarrell Gerdes, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born on April 28, 1927, in Scotland, South Dakota, she was the youngest of four children of George Jacob Simantel and Bertha Katherine (Kepplinger) Simantel.

At age eight, Janie's family moved to Oregon due to the Dust Bowl. Having lived through the Great Depression, she learned to live with frugality and care-lessons she passed down lovingly: save everything, wash foil, reuse bags.

Janie attended Cornelius Elementary and graduated from Hillsboro High School with the Class of 1945. She met her first husband, Lawrence Willard "Willard" Jarrell, at the Tillikum, where-despite him being there with another girl-he held Janie's hand under the table. They married on March 5, 1946. Janie and her two best friends each married three cousins, creating a circle of friendship and family that brought endless joy and memories.

Together, Janie and Willard built their home, raised four children, and created a life full of love, camping trips, dancing, and strong family values. Janie was an excellent cook and baker, famous for her pies and canning, and there was always a full cookie jar and a fresh pot of coffee ready for visitors.

She worked at True Value Hardware in Cornelius, where she sold parts, mixed paint, threaded pipe, and knew every local farmer by name. In 1976, she became co-owner and operator of Jarrell's Heating and later worked with A Tasteful Affair Catering, bringing her hospitality skills to many events.

Janie waterskied until age 70 and square danced until 90, a testament to her lively spirit and love of being active and music. She was a devoted member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church and Mt. Olive Lutheran Church.

After the loss of her husband, Willard, in August of 1998, she married Luther Gerdes on February 19, 2000. The two shared many happy years dancing, gardening, baking, and enjoying time with their families and friends.

Janie is survived by her four children:

• Shari and Jim Emery of Fairfax, Virginia

• Susan Jarrell of Hillsboro

• Greg Jarrell and Becky Carter of Bend

• Kris and Ken McConnell of Hillsboro

She is also lovingly remembered by her 13 grandchildren:

Tammy and Justin Coppedge, Rob and Lisa Tucker, Ryan and Kristina Tucker,

Ahnika Emery, Alyssa and Kyle Schumacher, Adeena Emery, Alex and Ann Emery, Adam and Erica Emery,

Maria and Joseph Gonzales, Gregory and Heather Jarrell,

Lexi McConnell, Spencer McConnell, and Sawyer McConnell;

and by her 17 great-grandchildren.

Following her service, there will be a procession to Fir Lawn Memorial Park for a graveside service.

A reception will be held immediately afterward back at Zion Lutheran Church.

Janie's strength, warmth, and joy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

She was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed.