Janet Louise Melcher

Janet Louise Parker Melcher
April 1, 1947 – July 19, 2025
With love and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Janet Louise Parker Melcher on July
19, 2025.
Jan was born on April 1, 1947, in Springfield, Oregon, where she spent her early years,
graduating from Thurston High School. She was proud to come from a long line of Oregon Trail
pioneers who settled in the Eugene/Springfield area.
She earned degrees in Home Economics and School Counseling at Oregon State University,
which set the foundation for a long career in education. Jan began her professional journey at
Central Linn High School in Halsey, Oregon, before spending the rest of her career at Gervais
High School.
For nearly four decades, Jan and her husband Dallas raised their family on a small Christmas
tree farm in Gervais, Oregon. Their home became a place of joy and tradition-where cups of
hot cocoa, candy canes, and warm memories were generously shared during the holiday
season.
Jan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She leaves behind those she
loved deeply - her husband Dallas Melcher; daughters Kandi Maestri, Heather Deibele (Deane),
and Jaclyn Ford (Chris); sister Kay Froemming (Terry); and grandchildren Xander Maestri,
Parker Maestri, Aiden Deibele, and Addison Deibele. Jan was preceded in death by her parents
Francis and Marjorie Parker, brother Terry Parker, and son-in-law Jon Maestri.
Jan enjoyed gardening, sewing, quilting, and watching her grandkids' sporting events. She was
a lifelong fan of Oregon State University athletics, especially women's basketball and women's
rowing.
A social spirit, Jan cherished the laughter and love shared with her lifetime friends, and she
found fun in community bingo nights at the Butteville General Store. In retirement, she and
Dallas enjoyed traveling together and spending peaceful days at the beach.
A Celebration of Life Open House will be held on Saturday, July 26, from 12:00 to 4:00 PM at
her home: 20385 Boones Ferry Rd. NE, Aurora, OR 97002. There will be a private interment at
a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to Marion Polk Food Share: https://marionpolkfoodshare.org