1936-2025
Janet Louise Evans, aged 89, passed away peacefully in her home on November 2, 2025, in Winnemucca, Nevada, surrounded by the love and comforting presence of her daughter Karen, granddaughter Janie, and loyal dog Duke.
Born on August 18, 1936, in Seaside, California, to James and Viola Drake, Janet was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald; sons, Scott and Bruce; and sisters, Barbara Jones and Eleanor Carter. She is survived by her sister, Marian Woodward of Monterey, California.
The third of four daughters, Janet cherished her close-knit family while growing up. She graduated from Monterey Union High School in 1954, where she met Ronald Evans, her devoted husband of 64 years. They married on July 8, 1955, and settled in Santa Cruz, California. Together, they raised five children: Scott Evans (deceased), Bruce Evans (deceased), Ronette Scarbrough, Karen Garringer (Mel), and Dave Evans (Nanci). After relocating to Susanville in 1979, their family continued to grow, blessing Janet with ten grandchildren—Katie, Rona, Zackory, Lynette, Melissa, Andrew, Danielle, Janie, Brice, and David—and twenty-three great-grandchildren. She called Susanville home for 46 years before moving to Winnemucca in the summer of 2025.
Janet’s professional life was punctuated with a variety of jobs in different fields. She worked as a secretary, legal secretary, director, radio host, and ultimately as a deputy probation officer, retiring from the Lassen County Probation Department. In 1993, she was honored with the Peace Officer of the Year award in recognition of her dedication and service.
Talented and active throughout her life, Janet enjoyed singing, painting, fishing, playing keyboard, researching genealogy, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. As a young woman, she was also an accomplished athlete, joining her sister Marian as the youngest members of Ruby’s Rockets, a touring women’s softball team that traveled throughout California and Oregon. She was also an avid bowler for much of her adult life.
Janet’s warmth, kindness, and devotion to her family will be remembered and cherished by all who were fortunate to know her.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Susanville Church of the Nazarene, 1825 Spring Ridge Drive, on March 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. A potluck will follow the service.
