Janet Elizabeth Neil

Aug. 3, 1945 - Sept. 6, 2010

Janet Neil was born in Tacoma, Wash., Aug. 3, 1945. With her loving husband Jerry, devoted family and dearest friends by her side, Janet passed peacefully into the arms of God on Sept. 6, at her beautiful home on the family ranch in Winters.

Janet fought a courageous 3-year battle with cancer, without so much as a single complaint. Janet enjoyed life to the fullest, even during her toughest days she would say, "I am the luckiest woman in the world, I was blessed with a wonderful husband, loving friends. I have traveled the world and I have so much to be thankful for." She was truly more concerned for others than herself.

Janet loved horses, nature, photography, antique cars and vintage clothing. She only knew one way to do something and that was "the best" she possibly could. Her contact with nature was something to behold, whether it be at her Eagle Lake cabin or her beautiful home in Winters. She loved to be surrounded by bald eagles, grey foxes, mountain Quail and deer. One of her favorite hobbies was to photograph wildlife, especially birds, and the joy she got sharing the photos with her husband Jerry. "What a team we made" Janet would always say.

Janet and Jerry operated family businesses their entire marriage of 43 years. Some of Jerry's fondest memories were of Janet as a young lady giving horse riding lessons to children on a ranch in Sacramento, or touring their old cars through the mountains of Colorado, dressed in vintage clothing. Though, Janet and Jerry had no children of their own, they impacted many lives of children in the community. The friendships that Janet fostered through the antique auto clubs and the cabin at Eagle Lake were evident to the very end, as the calls and cards poured in with prayers and well wishes.

Janet was preceded in death by her father, John Williams Sims; mother, Alice Ellen Sims; brother, Gordon Sims; and her beloved in-laws, Lewis and Anita Neil.

Janet is survived by her loving husband, Jerry Neil; brother and sister-in-law, Walt and Sally Neil; nephew, John Neil, his spouse Karen and their children, Brock and Ashlynne; nephew, Clark Neil and his children, Sarah and Katie; niece, Laurie Neil Hoskins and her spouse, Doug; and niece, Sandy Neil, all of Winters.

The Neil family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to all the dear friends of Janet for their outpouring of love during her illness. Your cards and phone calls meant so much to her.

Memorial service will be held Friday, Sept. 17, at 11 a.m. at McCune Garden Chapel. Arrangements are under the direction of McCune Garden Chapel, 448-6546, www.mccunechapel.com.