Janet Adams

Janet Kaye Adams passed away May 26, 2017, at Colonial Vista Assisted Living in Wenatchee, WA. Janet was born in Wenatchee on December 27, 1937. She was the youngest daughter of Henry and Olive Otto. Her siblings were Joy, Leonard, and Ted Otto. Janet's childhood was spent in Wenatchee. She spoke often of her beautiful hometown, her cherished family, and of her many friendships that began in her early youth and remained active throughout her life. Janet's extraordinary aptitude for music became apparent early when it was discovered she had perfect pitch. Her piano lessons began when she was five years old and her older sister, Joy, was her teacher for several years. Janet began teaching her own students when she was in the ninth grade, as well as being very active in school music programs throughout her school years. After graduation from Wenatchee High School, Janet attended Washington State University, majoring in piano and minoring in voice. She continued teaching while in college, with a panel of ten students. Janet married Frank Kent in August 1956, and her son, Bryan, was born in September 1957, followed by Virginia "Ginny" in July 1959. Janet and Frank divorced not long after, and in July 1963, Janet married John Kuhn. Janet spoke fondly of their happy life together. Their daughter, Jonna, was born in September 1965. In October 1967, when Janet was pregnant with her son, David, both John and Bryan died tragically as the result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. David was born several months later, on John Kuhn's birthday in April 1968. Newly widowed, Janet supported herself by teaching piano in her basement studio. While visiting the sick at the hospital, Janet became re-acquainted with Dale Adams, and Dale and Janet were married on April 2, 1970. Dale's children, Randy and Kristy, also joined the family. Thus, began the "blended family" years; full of noise, chores, church, music, family gatherings, and challenges and successes alike. It was not always easy, but Janet's sense of humor, infectious laugh, practical wisdom, and "takes a licking and keeps on ticking" spirit was always present, despite the many earlier trials she had faced. Her children recall the regular homemade cookies with certain affection; the annual homemade matching Easter outfits brought more mixed reviews from the children involved. Janet taught countless piano students from her home studio for many years, and it was not uncommon to hear "Hello, Mrs. Adams! You taught me piano, remember?" wherever Janet went, even well into her later years, including her recent visits to the hospital when her hospital nurse, cabulance driver, and hospice nurse all greeted Janet as their childhood piano teacher or accompanist. This was a matter of great personal pride for her and made her very happy. She also supported the Wenatchee High School music department for many years, as an accompanist, seamstress, chaperone and more. Janet was inducted into the Washington State Music Association Hall of Fame in 2008, recognizing her many years of excellence in piano and music instruction. Janet and Dale's deep Christian faith was very important to them. They were members of the Church of Christ for many years before joining the Sage Hills Church several years ago. Janet and Dale were married for over 46 years before Dale passed away on March 20, 2017. Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Dale; her daughter, Ginny; son, Bryan; her brothers: Leonard and Ted; and her sister, Joy. She is survived by her children: Randy Adams, Kristine (Jeff) Pritchard, Jonna (Chuck) Dengate, and David (Cory) Adams; 15 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, and a wide community of people who will miss her deeply, remember her fondly, and who will forever hear her voice whenever they play the piano. A Memorial Service will be held at Sage Hills Church in Wenatchee, WA, on Saturday, June 17, 2017, at 2:30 p.m. If you are a current or former member of a Wenatchee High School choir and would like to honor Janet's contribution to the local music community, please join family and friends as long time WHS Choir Director, Dan Jackson, directs us in singing "The Lord Bless You and Keep You" to conclude the memorial. Sheet music will be provided at the service. Arrangements are by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee, WA.

Janet Adams

December 27, 1937 - May 26, 2017