Janette Pearl Van Riper

Janette P. Van Riper - age 71, passed away April 21, 2016. Janette had an amazing life full of love, kindness, compassion and humor. She was born, June 7, 1944, in Seattle, WA to Loren and Wilda Cooper. When Janette was 3 years old, the family moved to Kettle Falls, WA. In 1953, the moved to Spokane, WA. Janette attended Grant Elementary and Lewis & Clark High School, from which she graduated in 1962. Janette married James Van Riper on June 14th, 1962. James was a career U.S. Marine. Traveling from duty station to duty station, they started their family. In 1963, daughter, Randilyn was born. In 1964, daughter, Lissa was born, while stationed at Bremerton, WA. And in 1976, son, Benjamin was born in Idaho Falls, ID. Janette worked as a nurse at several different Hospitals and Cities, where the family was living. In 1978, James retired from the military and the family returned to Spokane. Janette was a wonderful artist and designer of dolls and crafty items which she made herself. She owned her business, “What a Doll Factory”. She traveled the Northwest, doing Craft Shows for 26 years, retiring in 2009. Her hobbies were gardening, family and friends. Survivors include: Husband, James Van Riper; daughters, Randilyn (Kevin) Tommeraasen, and Lissa Van Riper; son, Benjamin Van Riper; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; four brothers, Ray Cooper, Stan Cooper, Earl Cooper, and Scott Cooper; and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Janette’s Life for family and friends will be held on June 25th, 2016, at 10:00 AM at a private residence in Spokane, WA. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to the Von Willebrand Foundation or Cancer Care Northwest.