Janet Gail Primus

Janet Gail Primus (Nydegger), beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, in Stayton, Oregon, at the age of 95.

Janet was born on May 17, 1930, in Mill City, Oregon, to George and Helen (Trask) Nydegger. She grew up in Mill City and graduated from the local high school before becoming a certified court stenographer.

On November 29, 1952, Janet married Daniel Primus at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Salem, Oregon. Together they shared a marriage filled with love for their children, laughter, and deep devotion until Daniel’s passing. They were blessed with two children, Gail Dyer and Theodore (“Tad”) Primus, and a foster daughter, Maria.

Janet’s career included secretarial work with Warrenton Cable Company and Fort Stevens Jr. High in Hammond, Oregon. She and Daniel lived in Warrenton for 20 years before settling in the Willamette Valley, where they made their home for more than four decades.

She was active in many community and social organizations throughout her life, including the Oak Knoll Golf Club and the Keizer Senior Center Bridge Club, the Warrenton Jaycettes, and the Lyons City Council. Janet’s many talents and pursuits earned her numerous honors, including achieving Life Master status in Bridge and winning several golf tournaments. A gifted artist, she sold many of her oil paintings in galleries.

Janet’s hobbies reflected her love of creativity and curiosity painting landscapes, sewing, gardening, traveling, and studying history. She and Daniel shared a unique passion for bottle digging at historic sites, building an impressive collection of antique bottles together. Janet especially loved her flower and vegetable gardens and cherished time spent with her family, particularly attending her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s ballgames.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Helen Nydegger, and her beloved husband, Daniel Primus.

Janet is survived by her children, Gail Dyer, Theodore (“Tad”) Primus, and foster daughter Maria Brim; her grandchildren, Paul Dyer, Bryan Dyer, Dan Primus, and Derek Primus; her brother, Larry Nydegger; her great-grandchildren; and many dear friends who will miss her warmth, wit, and generous spirit.

Memorial contributions may be made in Janet’s honor to Serenity Hospice, Salem, Oregon.