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Janice Helbling Jones-Hill

Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - Page Updated at 12:00:00 AM
Janice Rae Helbling Jones-Hill passed away Saturday, July 26, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston after a four-year battle with cancer.

Janice was born Jan. 23, 1949, in Moscow to Raymond and Lorene Helbling. She graduated from St. Mary's Catholic grade school, Moscow High School and the University of Idaho. While attending the university she was an active member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority.

After teaching special education in Potlatch, Idaho, Lewiston and Post Falls, she returned to the University of Idaho and obtained her master's degree in education counseling in 1972. She spent numerous years on the staff at Kennewick High School in the Tri-Cities.

Jan returned to Moscow in 1992 and accepted the position of counselor for the Colton School District. She built a condominium in Lewiston and enjoyed her short commute to Colton. During her career in special education at the secondary level she was given the opportunity to design, implement and instruct a special needs program in the Post Falls School District, which was recognized at the national level in special education.

"Jan served as counselor for the Colton School District for the last 10 years (1992-2002). She served the students with optimism and constant care. She will be missed both as a counselor and a friend by the students and her colleagues. The district extends its condolences to the family and Jan's numerous friends," said Dale Foley, superintendent of schools, Colton.

Jan was instrumental in furthering the advancement and education of her students professionally, emotionally and financially. Many students were blessed with her skillful plans, directions for their future education and her generous heart. She always had the time and patience to listen to a friend. Her courage, faith and love were a true inspiration to those lucky enough to support her through her four years of cancer. She inspired others with her sense of faith and peace and convinced everyone that she was doing great, never complained and only talked of her plans to soon return to school.

Janice was a member of the Roman Catholic Church and a generous booster for the growing Holy Family Catholic school in Coeur d'Alene. She was a member of Chapter AB of PEO in Moscow and numerous educational organizations. She loved reading, playing cards, working with teenagers, her pet cats, nieces and nephews and Lincoln City, Ore., where she dreamed of retirement.

She is survived by her husband, Greg Hill at the family home; her parents, Ray and Rene Helbling of Moscow; brother, Tom and wife Judy and their children, Heidi and Mark of Seattle; sister, Nancy and husband Bob Thiessen and their children, Carrie and Ryan Keller of Sacramento, Calif.; brother, Gregory and wife Kathy and sons Brett and Brandon of Coeur d'Alene; her husband's parents, Stanley and Mary Hill of Lewiston; her stepchildren, Laura Hanson Taylor and husband Keith of Holland, Paul Hanson and wife Tamara and their daughters, Nicole and Ashley of Moscow.

A memorial service to celebrate Jan's life will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 633 Fifth Ave., Lewiston under the direction of Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home. Father Sean Caulfield and Sister Margie Schmidt will officiate. Her burial will be next to her aunt Myrtle Rach in the Moscow Cemetery, under the direction of Short's Funeral Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jan Jones Memorial Scholarship, Colton School District, Colton, Wash., Holy Family Catholic School of Coeur d'Alene, St. Mary's Catholic School of Moscow or the charity of your choice.

Jan was eternally grateful for the love, support and prayers of her family, friends and numerous caregivers.