Janice Hurst, 72

On Aug. 12, 2025, we said goodbye to Janice, a woman who was truly one of a kind. Strong, witty, kind and fiercely loving, she brought joy and laughter wherever she went. To her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and countless friends, she was simply the best.

Janice loved music, dancing, gardening, traveling, concerts, casino trips, movies and good food — but above all, she loved spending time with her people. Her determination showed early in life as she picked cotton, barrel-raced and later built Pete’s Drive Inn in Madera Ranchos, Calif., into a beloved community landmark.

In her later years, Janice poured her heart into her most cherished roles: partner, mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. Her partner, Rich Watson, adored her. She was proud of her son, Brad, and wife Sherial Hudgins and their family; her daughter, Jeana, and husband Chad Franks and their family; and her daughter, Victoria, and husband Edward Hernandez and their family. She also shared a deep bond with her sister, Jeannie, and with many lifelong friends who truly became family.

A celebration of life will be held in Rathdrum, Idaho, on May 23, 2026.