Janice Evans Mitchell

Jan was born in Everett, WA, grew up in Cashmere, WA and was a 1963 graduate of Cashmere High School. She graduated from Wentachee Valley College and earned a BA in Education from Central Washington State College. It was in choir at CWSC that she met the love of her life, Jeff Mitchell. They were married in 1968 in the Cashmere United Methodist Church. When she passed they had been married 54 years.

Jeff and Jan raised two wonderful sons, Brian and Scott. Jan adored her “boys” and filled the house
with literally thousands of pictures of them. She was an avid photographer who never missed a chance to record family activities with her sharp eye for a moment for posterity.

Jeff and Jan lived their entire married life in Port Orchard. In 1970 Jan said, we need a house, not a rental. So, saving 10% for a down payment they had a home built in Port Orchard where they remained for their entire life together never upgrading, but using a friends sage advice to “buy a boat, when you get the urge to move”. Many memories filled that home, Christmas, Easter, birthdays and family reunions.

Jan was a multi-talented person. In High School she was the majorette for the Cashmere HS band and marched in the Apple Blossom Parade. She also found time to earn her Red Cross Water Safety Instructor credentials. This led to summer lifeguarding at the Cashmere community pool and at Sun Lakes and Lake Chelan State Parks. She earned a minor in music and elementary education and was a singer at heart. She was a member of the Bremerton Symphony Choir and the Port Orchard United Methodist Church choir.

She taught 2nd grade at East Port Orchard elementary and substitute taught in the South Kitsap Schools for many years. She was particularly fond of her 2nd grade students and enjoyed following their progress through their schooling.

Jan was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church and a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority, where she was bestowed the honor of princess.

Jan is survived by her husband of 54 years, Jeff Mitchell, sons Brian (Jenny) and Scott (Kari), granddaughters Addison and Mia, brothers Gary and Ric (Jan), sisters Joan (Jerry), Wendy and sister-in-law Wendy Mitchell (Wayne). She is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins who were all in her thoughts, as was her “relative” Neil Diamond, whom she dearly loved.

Preceding her in death were her parents Hugh and Dorothy Evans and sister-in-law Sandra Mitchell.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday February 11th at 1:30 pm, at Port Orchard United Methodist Church, 725 Kitsap Street Port Orchard, WA 98366. In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations to the Music Ministries of Port Orchard United Methodist Church.