Jeannette (Jan) Reed, 78, passed away from natural causes on Sunday, October 15, 2006, at her home in Olympia. Jan was born in Hammond, Indiana on July 29, 1928, the daughter of Roy and Laura (Jackley) Rogers. She moved to Washington State with husband Bob Reed in 1948, where she raised three children in Yakima and Spokane. She returned to college at age 40 and attended both Whitworth College and Eastern Washington University. In 1970, she graduated with a degree in Teaching English in Secondary Schools. She later earned her Master's Degree. Jan taught English at Mead High School from 1971 until her retirement in 1993. 

      She found great joy in traveling with her debate students to competitions and coached several successful teams. Soon after retirement, she moved to Olympia and joined Olympia Newcomers. Jan was involved in many Newcomers groups, as well as the Olympia Writer's Group. Her hobby after retirement was writing essays and short stories, several of which were published. She also loved local and international travel with her friends.

      Jan is survived by her three children, Cindy E. Reed, of Gig Harbor, Washington, Rob R. Reed, of Columbus, Ohio, and Denise D. Van Wey, of Dash Point, Washington; as well as four grandchildren, two nephews, and two nieces.

      She had an extensive network of friends and her calendar was always full with new adventures and meetings, but her first priority was always her family. She was much loved and will be greatly missed by many. 

     A memorial service and reception will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2006, at 1:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 1224 Legion Way S.E., Olympia. Jan loved her church and especially enjoyed the Saturday night services, so the family plans to also attend that service after the reception. In lieu of flowers, the family is collecting funds for the Mead High School Debate Club. Donations should be sent to Rob Reed, 3789 Olentangy Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio, 43214.