Jeanette “Jan” Bernice Shockey Whitbeck passed away on July 18, 2026, at Tacoma General Hospital. She was born on March 24, 1937, in Rockford, Illinois, to the late Bernice Shockey and her stepfather, Claude Nolan, as Billie Jean Nolan.

Following the passing of her parents, Jan was lovingly adopted and raised by her first cousin once removed, Charles F. Shockey, and his wife, Grace M. (Swords) Shockey. Her name was changed to Jeanette Bernice, with Bernice honoring her mother. Jan lived in Rockford until she was 12 years old, when she moved to Seattle, Washington, with her new family. She attended Queen Anne High School and graduated in 1956. While living at home, she worked at a canary in Seattle.

On Aug. 24, 1956, Jan married Willard J. Whitbeck in Ballard, Washington. Together they built a life centered around family, hard work, faith, and community. They lived in Kent, Lake Sawyer, and Orting before making Pacific Beach their longtime home. There, Jan and Willard owned and operated Pacific Beach Hardware & Sporting Goods for 31 years.

After selling the business, Jan continued working locally at the Pacific Beach Post Office and the Zany Zebra Drive-In. Later, she and Willard retired and moved to Elma, Washington, where they continued their life together.

Jan’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was a member of Pacific Beach First Baptist Church until it closed and later attended Pacific Beach Community Church. She became a member of Aberdeen Avenue Baptist Church and, after moving to Elma, joined Bethany Baptist Church. Jan was also a member of Sweet Adeline’s the Grays Harbor Chapter and was a lifetime member of The Order of The Amaranth Grays Harbor Court #3. She was the royal matron and also held the office of secretary. She was never one to simply sit on the sidelines. Jan was actively involved in the life of her church, teaching Sunday School and women’s Bible study and taking part in church functions. She especially loved to sing and shared that gift often, singing solos in church. Her faith, her willingness to serve, and her love for others were woven deeply into the life she lived.

Jan had a creative and adventurous side as well. She loved painting with her Trichem paints and enjoyed making ceramics at Jeannie Rothmeyer’s Ceramic Shop. She loved the beach and could often be found clam digging or walking along the shore, collecting shells and pieces of driftwood that she would later turn into crafts. She also enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, and was an active member of TOPS Club in Pacific Beach. These simple pleasures gave her opportunities to be outdoors, create something with her hands, and make memories along the way.

She was a wonderful cook and baker and took great joy in preparing food for the people she loved. Her raspberry rhubarb coffee cake was a particular favorite, and those who had the pleasure of tasting it will likely never forget it.

Jan is survived by her children, Lance (Patti) Whitbeck of Elma, Washington; Alex (Traci) Whitbeck of Hoquiam, Washington; Willie (Deanna) Whitbeck of Aberdeen, Washington; her daughter, Teresa Whitbeck of Frederickson, Washington and her sister, Anne Nolan Shockey Rames of Puyallup, Washington. She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, extended family, and many dear friends.

Jan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willard J. Whitbeck, grandson, Andrew Detwiler; her brother, John Huntley Leifeste, who passed away in 2005 in California; and sisters Donna Huntley Leifeste Hunt, who passed away in 2021 in California; Laura Huntley Lee Buchanan, who passed away in 2015 in Ohio; Grace Shockey Kimble, who passed away in 1999 in Washington; and Charlen Shockey Jeffery Satrom, who passed away in 2020 in Alaska.

While her family will deeply miss her presence, they can find comfort in knowing that the love Jan gave so freely will continue through the generations she leaves behind. Her life was filled with faith, family, friendships, hard work, and countless memories — and those who loved her will carry those memories in their hearts.

Family and friends are invited to gather to remember and celebrate Jan’s life on Sept. 19, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Light and Life Community Church, 2740 Simpson Avenue, Hoquiam, WA 98550. Pastor Dan Gebhart will officiate.

Following the service, everyone is invited to join the family for a potluck meal. Those attending are welcome to bring a dish or dessert that reminds them of Jan. In a way, gathering around a table and sharing good food with family and friends is the perfect tribute to a woman who spent so much of her life bringing people together.

Arrangements are entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary.