Janet "Jan" Whittig

Jan Whittig, of Edgewood, WA, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026. Jan was a loving wife, devoted mother, adoring grandmother and great-grandmother and cherished friend. Kind, generous, fun-loving and adventurous, she brought warmth and joy to everyone she knew and will be profoundly missed.

Jan was born on November 1, 1937, in Raymond, WA, to William and Harriet Miller. During her childhood, the family lived in Orting and Lebam and later moved to Pe Ell during her senior year of high school. She graduated from Pe Ell High School in 1955 and moved to Olympia, where she worked for the State of Washington and lived in the YWCA Residence.

Jan was set up on a date with Jerry, and they were married within a year. Just months after their wedding, Jan resigned from her job, and the couple embarked on a five-week honeymoon throughout Europe coinciding with a forestry conference for Jerry in Spain. While they lived in Olympia, Jan was an active member of Junior League, volunteered at her daughters’ schools, and enjoyed playing bridge in several clubs.

Jan and Jerry enjoyed the outdoors and frequently traveled with their trailer, camping throughout the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia with extended family and friends – trips that created countless treasured memories. After they moved to Edgewood in 1978, Jan joined an aerobics class, where she quickly formed lasting friendships. She continued aerobics for more than 30 years and enjoyed frequent coffee dates and lunch celebrations with her friends.

Jan and Jerry also took up cross-country skiing and made several winter trips with family and friends. Early in their retirement years, they developed a tradition of taking months-long road trips across the United States. One highlight was attending a University of Tennessee football game. During fall and winter, Jan and Jerry could often be found watching college football and basketball, especially Gonzaga University games. For eight consecutive years, they traveled to Las Vegas for the Zags’ conference tournaments, inviting friends and family to join them during the week. These trips were often extended with visits to Surprise, AZ, to see Jan’s sister and brother.

Travel remained a lifelong passion for Jan. She enjoyed numerous trips to Hawaii, including trips to celebrate their 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries, travels to Europe, Mexico, Washington, D.C., New York, and a once in a lifetime highlight was a trip to Israel.

Family was always Jan’s top priority. She was unwavering in her love and support, especially for her parents. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy; she rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on at sporting events, attend band concerts and special occasions, or help them move to college. In the past year, she was overjoyed by the arrival of her great-grandson.

Jan also treasured quiet moments at home reading a good book with a mocha. She was a longtime member of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA.

Jan is survived by her husband of 60 years, Jerry; daughters Kathi Opitz (Dan) and Kelli Stein (Sarah Blattberg); grandchildren Trevor Opitz (Annie Althauser) and Taylor Nutter (Jason); great-grandson Hendrick Althauser-Opitz; sister Diane Totten (Rob Bledsoe); and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Harriet Miller, and her brother, Edward Terry Miller (Kris).

The family extends heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all who offered prayers, encouragement, cards, phone calls, visits, and support before and after Jan’s passing.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 2306 Milton Way, Milton, WA 98354. A private family graveside service was held on January 30 at Woodbine Cemetery in Puyallup, WA.

In memory of Jan, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.