Jana Diane Larson

Jana Diane Larson, age 83, of Ferndale passed away on Monday, November 4, 2024 in Lynden. She was born June 12, 1941 daughter of Cecil and Phyllis (Axlund) Barr. Jana graduated from Ferndale High School in 1959. Shortly after she would marry her husband of 57 years, Wayne Larson. Together they raised three daughters, Lisa, Wendi and Heather on the beloved family farm. 

Jana had a deep love for her family, she especially loved spoiling her grandchildren and creating special memories. She and her sister had a close relationship with the daily phone call every morning to “just check in.” Jana’s closest friends were Dolores Sobjack and Nadine Bocek. She cherished all her friendships and spent much time socializing. One of her favorite activities was their weekly Bowling League.  

Jana had a special fondness for the beach, with childhood memories of summers spent in Birch Bay, where she eventually bought a beach house for the family to enjoy. She always looked forward to her annual trip to Waikiki Beach with her girls.  

Her love for animals was evident in the way she cared for them. Jana never saw an animal she did not want to feed. She would go on to care for and rescue a number of cats and dogs. While on the farm, she enjoyed caring for the cattle. She loved her cat, Mr. T, and routinely fed the raccoons which would gather on her porch nightly for their dinner. 

Jana’s warm and caring nature touched the lives of everyone she met, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to her family will live on in us. 

Jana will be forever missed by her daughters, Lisa (Jim) Neufeld, Wendi Larson and Heather (Phil) Lafata; sister, Joanne Nolan; grandchildren, Brandon Beck, Ashley (Trevor) Olson, Haley (Dustin) Vander Wel, Luke Rettmer, and Ava Lafata; great grandchildren, Ezra Olson, Ellis Olson, Gwen Vander Wel, and Clyde Vander Wel. 

Jana was preceded in death by her parents Cecil and Phyllis Barr, and husband, Wayne Larson. 

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Jana may be made to Whatcom Feline Alliance.

A private family graveside service will be held at Enterprise Cemetery in Ferndale.