Kind-hearted and a devoted friend to many - fellow Seahawks fans especially; Jana, aka Jana Louise Wheeler, will be remembered for her warmth.
Born Jana Louise Matthias in Seattle, she moved to Bellevue as a child and graduated from Interlake in 1971. She cherished the friendships she gathered living in the Puget Sound and Portland areas. She was close with her grandmother, Jeanette Andersen, in her youth, and cherished their time together visiting family in Norway.
Jana met and fell in love with Robert Wheeler in Everett, and they married in 1994, united in their faith and shared senses of humor. Working in childcare, manufacturing, and security, she was a devoted helper to all and was proud of her degree in Criminal Justice. Jana had a special place in her heart for children and animals, and had a gift for remembering her loved ones’ birthdays. In her retirement community, she participated in every event, Bible study, and get together she could fit on her calendar, and she loved reconnecting with old friends online.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert; parents, Betty Louise (Anderson) Matthias and Arthur Frederick Matthias; and her Anderson and Matthias grandparents of Seattle and Iowa; as well as her beloved kitties, Jazz and Max. She is survived by her brother Martin Matthias, sister Kristi Matthias, and niece Erika Matthias Zimmerman. She left us before we were ready but her memory and warmth will stay with us forever.
Jana passed away on December 22, 2025. She was 73 years old.
Her obituary can be found here.
