Janna Greer, 83
Daily Inter-Lake | UPDATED 7 months, 2 weeks AGO
'Lil' Jan came into this world Nov. 29, 1941, with a paintbrush in hand. She was born to Gust Prinke and Iva Ives in the heart of central Washington, Yakima.
Jan grew up immersed in competition. She had five brothers and sisters that she put the smack down on — Gay Owens, Eda Rickert, Nala Rickert, Jesse Prinke and Carla Rutter. Before Gay was born, Gust told Jan that she was going to get something she had always wanted. This brought excitement to Jan, as she was finally going to get the horse she always wanted. To her surprise and anguish, her parents brought home Gay. She was none too pleased with the bait and switch that took place.
April 11, 1961, Jan joined the Women's Army Corps. She received her medical training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, the home of the combat medic. She went on to be stationed in Heidelberg, Germany. After two years of service to her country, she hung up her stethoscope and returned home to Yakima on June 3, 1963. Charles Boykin was able to tame her wild spirit, and they were married on Nov. 6, 1965. Through this union, they had one son, Philip Boykin.
Jan was our Bob Ross. Her artistic skills utilizing different mediums always made your day. Hand-painted Christmas cards, capturing the essence of the season, to artistically hand-painted bottles, were the gifts she shared every holiday season with much anticipation. Jan also loved to cook and bake. If your birthday rolled around and she knew about it, you would get one of her specialty booze cakes. They were as divine, just as she was. These cakes could bring world peace, mend a broken heart or get you drunk enough not to give a crap!
Jan never had a driver’s license and much preferred to be a passenger princess. Even with her down-to-earth stature, she didn’t mind hoofing it to her destination, even if it took her twice as many steps.
Jan met her match when she met Gene Fincher oh so many moons ago. Their love of barley pops, social engagement, road trips and loving to badger each other made their relationship memorable for all around.
Jan passed away quietly — the only time she has been quiet — on Feb. 5, 2025.
Jan is survived by her partner, Gene Fincher and their kids, Philip Boykin, Chad Fincher (Tara) and Heidi Neether (Scott), best friend, TJ Tullett (Eric) and numerous nieces and nephews.