Janet Sue Harper (Rich), age 59, passed away on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 after a battle with cancer. She passed peacefully with family at her side.
Janet was the eighth of eleven children born to Tom and Arliss Rich of Algona, Iowa. The Rich home was always full of love and excitement.
Janet attended Garrigan High School in Algona and the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, graduating with a degree in social work. She had a natural gift for connecting with children. Her career was spent working with kids and young adults who needed her help, first at Orchard Place in Des Moines, later at ARTEC in Salt Lake City and Big Brothers Big Sisters in Boise. Janet leaves a lasting legacy in the hearts of the countless children she has served.
Janet met her future husband, Patrick, while working at Orchard Place. They quickly became best friends. She was a loving and supportive wife, moving with Patrick, across the country to pursue adventure, further his education and advance their careers. They settled in Boise, Idaho, the adopted home that she loved.
Janet then turned to raising her own family. She was a devoted mother, classroom volunteer, Girl Scout leader, tennis and cheer team support mom. Her children, Madison and Benton, could always turn to her for encouragement, honest advice or a loving hug.
Once Janet’s children were grown, she went to work at the YMCA Kid Zone. She found joy and meaning working with the children as well as her young colleagues.
Janet loved to walk the greenbelt and hike the foothills of Boise. She enjoyed traveling, baking, and always loved a good movie. She cherished time spent with her many friends, never failing to bring a smile to others with her sarcastic wit. Janet touched many with her generosity and positive spirit.
Janet is survived by her husband, Patrick; children, Madison Croft (Braden) and Benton Harper; mother, Arliss Rich; siblings Jeanne Nehman (Rick), JoAnn Curran (Dan), Jackie Tielbur (Steve), Jerry Rich (Bev), Jon Rich, Judy Terwilliger (Tom), Jane Christensen, and Joel Rich (Robbie) and many wonderful nieces and nephews. Janet was preceded in death by her father, Tom Rich and her brothers Jim and Jeff.
A celebration of life will be held at the Center at the Park (located in the southeast corner of Kleiner Park behind the Village at Meridian) on Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 3pm . An additional celebration is being organized for family and friends in Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Big Brothers Big Sisters, the YMCA or your favorite charity for children (perhaps the next neighbor kid that knocks at your door).