Grace Janzen

Grace Eiola Janzen (Schmidt) passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior on July 20, 2025, at the age of 101. She was born on July 8, 1924, in a home on Church Street in Dallas, Oregon to Tobias & Agnes (Linscheid) Schmidt. The oldest of three children, she was a steady and loving presence for her younger siblings, Bill & Jewelle.
Grace lived her entire life in Dallas, Oregon, attending local schools and graduating from Dallas High School in 1942. After graduation, she began working for the Polk County Extension Service and later joined the office staff at JCPenney.
On August 23, 1945, Grace married Clarence Janzen at the Grace Mennonite Church in Dallas. Over the years they were active members of the local business community. Together, they owned and operated several businesses including The Beacon Restaurant and Motel (later Farrells Restaurant in Rickreall), the Flying A Service station (later Grubbs & Peters Phillips 66) across from the bowling alley, and the Dallas Planning Mill, where Grace worked as a bookkeeper for many years. They retired in 1986.
She was a charter member of Faith Evangelical Free Church, and her faith was very important to her all her life. She was always involved in church activities such as women's ministry, Bible studies and helping in the kitchen. Grace cared for others in her kind and 'graceful' way, giving her full attention to whatever she was doing, such as playing with a grandchild or just talking with her family or a friend. Many have commented that she truly lived up to her name in so many ways! She also loved to read, garden, listen to music, go to the Oregon coast and participate in family and church activities.
Grace's love for her family was also foundational in her life. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, always putting her family first and taking joy in their lives, milestones, and everyday moments. Her legacy of love and togetherness will live on through them. In her later years, she especially enjoyed time with family - whether visiting around the table or playing favorite games like Farkle and Skip-bo, moments that brought laughter and connection across generations.
She was preceded in death by her husband Clarence, her parents, her sister Jewelle Peters and her brother Bill Schmidt. She is survived by her three children: Susan Hicks (Patrick), James Janzen, and Cathy Aime (Nick), four grandchildren: Sarah Hicks, Michael Hicks (Jennifer), Alisha Koons (Evan) and Lilly Aime; and three great-grandsons: Daniel and Isaac Hicks and Lane Koons. She also leaves many nieces, nephews and friends who were blessed by her presence in their lives.
A private family graveside service will be held followed by a memorial service on Monday, August 11, 2025, at 1 PM at the Evangelical Bible Church (EBC) in Dallas.
In honor of Grace's life, memorial contributions may be made to Dallas Weekday School of the Bible or the Salem Union Gospel Mission, in care of the Dallas Mortuary Tribute Center at 287 SW Washington St. Dallas, Oregon 97338.