JANIS MINFORD; Age 90 Janis Ruth Minford passed away peacefully in her home at Orchard Ridge with family by her side. Janis was born April 21, 1929 in St. Louis, Missouri to Anita (Magnus) and Ernest Shay. Janis grew up in St. Louis and obtained a bachelor’s degree in education from Washington University in St. Louis. She married Donald Minford on August 14, 1964 in the Ladue Chapel in St. Louis County and had 3 children. Janis was an avid educator, faithful servant of Jesus Christ and keen photographer. Janis taught school for many years and continued to tutor and volunteer in the public school system after retirement. She received the Unsung Hero award for developing a program, Save Our Schools (SOS), to support the public school system while she resided in Ritzville, Washington. She was nominated for the Governor’s Individual Brightest Star Award which recognizes individuals that make a difference in the lives of Idaho’s families and children. Janis was active in the life of her church, The Lutheran Church of the Master. Through the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Chaplain Corp, she performed prison ministry for more than 20 years. She provided spiritual support for both the incarcerated via her ministry and their children at Christmas via a gifting program. She will be remembered for her inclusiveness. Everyone was “beloved” to her and all were welcome in her presence. Janis was a passionate photographer. She cataloged the lives of all who were around her and unconditionally gifted them with her photos. She continued her love of teaching by introducing photography to children through an after school program. She worked for Camera Corral in Coeur d’Alene for several years, meticulously developing photos for the store’s customers. She is survived by Don, her husband of 55 years, son Bill (Barb) Minford of St. Louis, Missouri and daughters Alison (Chris) Gale of Meridian, Idaho and Tara Zaremba of Seattle, Washington, 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Memorial service will be 1:00 PM, Thursday, January 9, 2020 at The Lutheran Church of the Master. Internment will be at Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Orchard Ridge (www.theorchardcda.org) at 624 W Harrison Ave, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.