Janel Marie Goldsbary

Janel Marie Goldsbary, age 70, of Kent, Washington passed away on Thursday, March 1, 2018 after suffering a stroke.  She was born in Mitchell, South Dakota on December 28, 1947, the first of six children born to Lyle and Naomi Schmitt. The family moved to Kent, Washington in December 1956.  Janel attended Kent schools graduating from Kent-Meridian High School in 1966. Janel was involved in many activities throughout her school years including cheerleading, Girls’ Club and Honor Society to name a few.  She was selected as a Rotary Student of the Month, was elected as a member of the court for Homecoming and was voted as Friendliest for the yearbook.  After graduating and starting her career she joined Rotary and was involved with Orthopedic Guild.

Janel worked a number of different jobs including sales at Nordstrom, secretarial work at Highline School District, Kent School District and general manager of Stylemakers hair salon.  What she did and who she worked for was not as important as the relationships she developed with all of the people in her life.  She was so loving and giving that friendships lasted for decades.  She was very hard working and would tackle any job that needed to be done. Her talents for entertaining and decorating were enjoyed by family and friends alike.  She loved music, watching sports, talking, hunting and fishing, and any activity that helped bring people together.

She married Richard M. Goldsbary (Goldy) on November 2, 2000.  His family of three grown children, Mike Goldsbary, Lisa Holden and Todd Goldsbary (Claire) and all of their children got to enjoy the family gatherings that Janel organized. Goldy entered Janel’s life as she was beginning the care giving of her father and mother and former mother-in-law. He supported her in all the things she did to make sure their last years were pleasant. Being a caregiver was such a natural thing to Janel and many people were the recipients of her love and care.

 Janel is survived by her husband, Goldy, his three children, 11 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her siblings Gloria Lewis, Nancy Foster (Larry), Gayle Schmitt, Douglas Schmitt (Lori), and Colleen Smith (Ryan) and 10 nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her father, William Lyle Schmitt in 2009 and her mother, Naomi Louise Schmitt in 2013.  Janel’s strong faith was demonstrated by her daily devotionals.  It is easier for those left behind knowing she has been reunited with her mother and father in Heaven.  

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

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