LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Janice Kay Pankratz, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, peacefully passed away at the age of 81.

Jan was born on June 21, 1943, in Port Orchard, Washington to George and Ruth Feil. She grew up in Pasco, Washington, where she created many longtime friends.

Janice met Dale Wesley Pankratz in Moses Lake, Washington, and later married. Together they had four sons: David, Ronald, John and Richard. The family moved around, landing themselves in San Jose, California. They moved to Santa Cruz in 1974 and had many fond memories with her cousins.

Her greatest joy in life was her family. She loved family reunions in San Jose, Nevada and Washington. The family moved to Lake County in 1977 where Dale was a small business owner for 40 years.

She was known for her gentle spirit that touched the lives of everyone she encountered. Jan loved being a grandmother to Cameron, Megan, Laura, Shelby, Jennifer, Maya, Hannah, Richard Jr. (Ricky) and Sadie. She was even a great-grandmother to eight. Her grandchildren will fondly remember her for her kindness, love, faith and special treats she always had ready for them. Her home was always a haven of warmth and joy, filled with the sounds of the grandchildren’s laughter and the aroma of her famous mac and cheese.

Jan’s love extended beyond her immediate family to her community, where she worked for numerous businesses and government agencies around Lake County. She especially loved her time with the Boy and Girls Club of Lake County and acting as the deputy county clerk, uniting couples in marriage.

Jan cultivated deep and lasting friendships that would define her life. She was known for her infectious laughter, her compassionate heart, and her unwavering loyalty to those she held dear.

Janice Pankratz will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She believed in the power of connection and nurtured friendships that spanned decades. Her legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to family will continue to inspire and guide us all.

Please join the family for an informal celebration of life at the Skylark Shores Resort (1120 N. Main St. in Lakeport) on Saturday, July 27, at 4 p.m. Come share refreshments and stories with all who loved her.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Lakeport in Jan’s honor.