Janis Kay Ruiter Obituary
Janis Kay Ruiter, or, as many knew her, Jan, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 19, 2026. She spent her 76 years of life in Lynden, Washington, and passed away peacefully in her home.
She was born on June 15, 1950, to the late Marion and Irene Sebens and grew up in and around Lynden her whole life. In 1968, she graduated from Lynden Christian Schools and, shortly afterwards, threw herself into caring for her family. Several years later, she returned to school and graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in social work. This degree was used to bless others through her work at local non-profit organizations, such as the Whatcom Pregnancy Center and New Way Ministries.
Jan's faith was a central part of her life. She was a life-long member of Second Christian Reformed Church in Lynden and was known for her love of scripture and her faithfulness in prayer.
She is survived by her children, Mark (Rockelle) of Sumas, Dan (Reba) of Seattle, Butch (Laura) of Vanderhoof, BC, Kristal of Lynden, and Joel (Amanda) of Sumas; her grandchildren, Mattea, Michal, Amariah, Eliana, Gabriel, Simone, Joanna, Derek, Anessa, Jonathan, and Elaina; her great-grandson, Peter, and her siblings, Jerry (Cynthia) Sebens, Joan (Jerry) Bush, and Douglas (Pat) Sebens.
Her memorial will be held at Second Christian Reformed Church in Lynden, on Monday, September 28, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be at Gillies Funeral Home on Sunday, September 27 from 3 to 5 p.m. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
