Janelle passed away Monday, October 19, 2009.

Jan was born August 25, 1947, in Scottsbluff, where she attended many of her school years.  She attended the University of California at Berkeley - Cal, where she graduated with honors in 1971.

Jan's passion was helping others, and she made a real difference during her life by being an advocate for all living things.  Her career focused on developing programs and activities for children, seniors and charity organizations.  She rallied all those around her toward a common cause whenever the need arose; including, helping to provide suitecases for foster children, teddy bears for sick children, gifts and food for families in need during the holidays, and many years of fundraising for local schools.  Jan was involved in her community and hosted episodes for the Library of Congresses Veteran's History Project featuring a few residents of Scottsbluff and Alliance.  Jan loved people and touched the lives of everyone she met.  She deeply loved her family and cherished every moment she spent with them.  Spending time with her friends and pets, walking, gardening, shopping for great deals, and chocolate were some of the things she enjoyed.  She also loved to take a spin around the dance floor with her husband.  She cared greatly for others and would do anything to help anyone in need, including the many pets she adopted through the years.  She was a wonderful mother, and a huge fan of both her children's sports teams.  Jan was the loudest fan at her son's basketball games and her daughter's water polo matches as well as being the best horse show mom ever. 

Survivors include her husband, Bruce Rayl of Orinda, son, Dusty Rayl of Lafayette, daughter, Nicki Rayl of Los Altos, sisters, Boni (Chuck) Aldrich of Walnut Creek, and Lori (Bob) Edwards of Concord; her mother, Mary Jane Wacker of Concord and nephew, DJ Waaland of Concord - all of California.  They will love and cherish the memories of their beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter, and aunt.  Jan's father, Robert and sister, Susan, preceded her in death..