Janis Ruth Minford, 90

Janis Ruth Minford, 90, passed away peacefully at her home at Orchard Ridge on Dec. 2, 2019, with family by her side. Janis was born April 21, 1929, in St. Louis, Mo., to Anita (Magnus) and Ernest Shay.

Janis grew up in St. Louis and obtained a bachelor’s degree in education from Washington University in St. Louis. She married Donald Minford on Aug. 14, 1964, in the Ladue Chapel in St. Louis County. They had three children. Janis was an avid educator, a faithful servant of Jesus Christ and keen photographer.

Janis taught school for many years and continued to tutor and volunteer in the public school system after retirement. She received the Unsung Hero award for developing a program, called Save Our Schools (SOS), which provided support to the public school system while she resided in Ritzville, Wash. She was nominated for the Governor’s Individual Brightest Star Award, which recognizes individuals that make a difference in the lives of Idaho’s families and children.

Janis was active in the life of her church, the Lutheran Church of the Master. Through the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Chaplain Corps, she performed prison ministry for more than 20 years. She provided spiritual support for both the incarcerated, via her ministry, and their children at Christmas, via a gifting program. She will be remembered for her inclusiveness. Everyone was “beloved” to her, and all were welcome in her presence.

Janis was a passionate photographer. She cataloged the lives of all who were around her and unconditionally gifted them with her photos. She continued her love of teaching by introducing photography to children through an after-school program. She worked for Camera Corral in Coeur d’Alene for several years, meticulously developing photos for the store’s customers.

She is survived by Don, her husband of 55 years; son Bill (Barb) Minford of St. Louis; and daughters Alison (Chris) Gale of Meridian, Idaho, and Tara Zaremba of Seattle; along with seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, at the Lutheran Church of the Master, 4800 N. Ramsey Road, Coeur d’Alene. Private interment will be at Riverview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Orchard Ridge (www.theorchardcda.org) at 624 W. Harrison Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.

Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Home. Online registry and condolences may be found at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.