Janette Kae Wheeler

Janette Kae “Jan” Wheeler

Janette Kae “Jan” Wheeler, age 67, passed away on February 28, 2026, at her home in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, surrounded by her loving family after courageously battling cancer for two years. She peacefully entered the presence of her Savior.

Jan was born on June 1, 1958, in Vancouver, Washington, to Jim and Karen Hall. She grew up in the Pacific Northwest and attended Monroe High School in Portland, Oregon, graduating in 1976. She later continued her education at Portland State University.

On October 6, 1984, Jan married the love of her life, Rick Wheeler, in Milwaukie, Oregon. Together they shared 42 years of marriage built on faith, love, and devotion to family.

Jan began her career working alongside her father in the family business for 20 years. She later followed her passion for working with children and became a kindergarten teacher at Southwest Christian School, where she faithfully served for 27 years. She retired in 2024 after touching the lives of countless students and families through her patience, kindness, and dedication.

Jan had many simple joys that brought her happiness. She loved reading, solving crossword puzzles, and testing her knowledge with trivia. She had a special love for animals, especially dogs, and cherished time spent visiting the beautiful Oregon coast. Her faith was an important part of her life. She was a member of Southwest Bible Church in Beaverton, Oregon, and later attended Calvary Rio Rancho in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Jan was preceded in death by her father, James “Jim” Hall.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Rick Wheeler of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; her daughter, Rachel Jarrell and husband Tom of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, and their children, Oliver and Violet Jarrell of Rio Rancho, New Mexico. She is also survived by her mother, Karen Hall of Beaverton, Oregon; her sister, Marlene Pierson and husband Mark of Beaverton, Oregon; her nephew, Andrew Pierson and wife Laura of Tigard, Oregon, and their children, Clara and Rockwell; and her niece, Emily St. John and husband Brady of Portland, Oregon, and their son, Belmont.

Jan will be remembered as a loving wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, teacher, and friend whose warmth and faith touched the lives of many.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) or Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

A celebration of life will be held at Southwest Bible Church in Beaverton, Oregon.

“How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.” Psalm 139:17–18

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