Maria Kay Janzen

Maria Kay Janzen died unexpectedly at the age of 47, on the early morning of Tuesday, Nov. 6, in Ritzville.

She was born on July 23, 1965 to Herb and Terry Janzen in Ritzville, WA. She was the youngest of six children. She grew up in Ritzville and graduated from Ritzville High School in 1983.

She was a happy go lucky, live your life kind of gal. Like her father, no one was a stranger; she treated everyone like a long lost friend. Her greatest gift in life was always trying to help people and animals. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother; doing all she could to support, love and protect those she loved. To her friends and family, her laughter was her trademark. You could hear it anywhere and know who it was without even seeing her. Although it will be a little quieter around here, it will be that much louder in heaven.

She married Duane Bailes on Oct. 24, 1984, in Portland, Ore., and they remained married for nine years.

In 1993, she met Simon Tedrow, and they were married on Dec. 1, 1996, and they were married for three years.

She made her home in Ritzville. On May 5, 2000, she met Mark Anderson, and together they were raising his daughter, Hannah. They continued their life together until her untimely death.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Ronald Janzen; and grandparents, Peter and Mary Janzen.

She is survived by her daughter, Nicole Bailes and future son in law, Mike Stromberger; two grandchildren, Taylor Davey and Jonathan Stromberger; her parents, Herb and Terry Janzen; sisters, Chris (Roger) Smith and Debi (Thomas) Balfe; brothers, Orris (Teresa) Janzen and Leslie (Carolyn) Janzen; many nieces; a nephew; and her companion, Mark Anderson and his daughter, Hannah Anderson.

The memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 17, at 11 a.m., at the Danekas Funeral Home, 207 East Main Avenue in Ritzville. A private internment is planned at Ritzville Memorial cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Maria K. Janzen Memorial Fund, at any US Bank, for her grandchildren. Danekas Funeral Home and Crematory of Ritzville is entrusted with arrangements.