Terry "Terue" Theodora (Grimmesey) Janzen

Terry "Terue" Theodora (Grimmesey) Janzen

Terry was born on July 15, 1930, in Tokyo, Japan. She lived in Japan until 1939, when she moved to California with her family, Orris R., Satoye, brother Robert, and sisters Barbara and Kay Grimmesey.

Terry, her siblings and her mother Satoye were taken to an internment camp in Poston, Ariz., during World War II war. Part of Terry's legacy throughout her life was her empathic ability to connect with those in pain or felt isolated and those early years moving from Japan to the U.S. formed some of her core beliefs to be kind and compassionate. Terry loved children, art, animals, the study of nature, and formed an early love of books, as her father had a large library in their home.

Terry graduated from Chaffey High School in Upland, Calif., where she met her future husband, Herbert Janzen. They were married in 1948 in New Mexico.

Terry and Herb were blessed with six children, Ronald, Christina, Deborah (Thomas), Orris (Teresa), Leslie (Carolyn), and Maria. Terry was very active with her children's activities. She was the Brownie and Girl Scout leader for her daughters and enjoyed planning outdoor learning activities. Terry lost her oldest son, Ron, in 1984 and her youngest daughter, Maria, in 2012. She was blessed with 20 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren.

Terry was a very gifted artist and won awards. She completed hand-drawn portraits of all her children and those beautiful drawings hang on the walls of their homes. Terry loved to garden and was noted for her beautiful flowers and large vegetable gardens. Her yard was featured in the town newspaper one year as an "Outstanding Yard of the Year". Terry's interest in soil as a gardener continued through her work testing soil for the farmers at the Adams County Conservation in the 1960s. Later, she worked at the Ritzville Grade School as a para-professorial until her retirement in 2000.

Terry enjoyed working with children of all abilities and math and reading were her specialties. She created a large library in her classroom with books encouraging lifelong readers. During her time at Ritzville Grade School she helped to coordinate, and teach, curriculum for Camp Wooten, an overnight environmental education camp. She hand-drew the sweatshirt design that they still use today (check for the name Janzen under the tree). She passed her love of nature to her granddaughter, Michelle, who is carrying on her legacy.

Terry cared about making a difference in the community and was active with the local and state Democratic party. She received a plaque for 30 years of service as an election observer for Adams County and training new observers.

Terry was also a member of the Ritzville Tree Board and instrumental in adding trees to the landscape. She volunteered at Burroughs Museum as a docent/tour guide and together with her family created a beautiful rose garden around the gazebo in memory of her grandson, Jeromy, who died in 2011.

Herb and Terry moved to Cheney Assisted Living in July of 2021, a day before her 91st birthday. She was welcomed with open arms and found a very happy new home. Herbert passed away in May of 2022; they were married almost 73 years.

Terry's love of books continued throughout her life and prompted her to organize a library area by her apartment called "Terry and Friends Library." She loved to take care of the books and help spread the joy of reading. She made many new friends with residents and staff. She said everyone took good care of her and she sometimes stayed up late with other residents to play late night games.

In November 2023, she broke her hip and had to be moved to the nursing home section of Cheney Care Center. She never completely recovered and missed her beloved Herbert.

Terry's love of Jesus was reflected in every aspect of her life and is evident in all she did. She loved unconditionally all she met.

God called Terry home March 27, 2024, surrounded by family. We will miss her greatly and also know that she made a positive difference in so many lives and will continue to be a presence in our memories.

If you have any photos, stories or memories of Mrs. Terry Janzen please send to [email protected]. The family will host a celebration of life ceremony in mid-July.

Donations in her memory can be sent to the Ritzville Museum Volunteer Association or Ritzville Library.