Janet Rupley Church

 Janet Rupley Church Resident of Orinda Janet Rupley Church, born August 12, 1912 and deceased January 24, 2011 in Walnut Creek. Few wives have the good fortune to deeply love and respect their mothers-in-law. Like many young and soon to be married women I anxiously anticipated the first meeting with my own proverbial Dragon Lady, but the person I met almost forty years ago was to become my beloved second mother. Janet Rupley's quiet, gracious manner captivated me from the first time I met her. She retained her elegance throughout her long life. As I came to know her better I saw a woman of substance emerge. Janet was insightful, gracious, and empathetic. She created a warm home for her family and a haven for her friends and neighbors. She was active in many volunteer organizations and gave with a generous spirit. She gave all, and expected nothing in return. Her son Bill's deep relationship with his mother is another tribute to her character. As he grew into manhood his appreciation for his mother continued to increase. She was courageous, supremely optimistic, and had a marvelous sense of humor. As age and infirmity robbed her of independence, and much later threatened her personal dignity, Janet held fast to the precept she lived by, "I learned to accept the inevitable, and to enjoy what I have." Perhaps those whom she leaves behind will acquire wisdom from her example. Janet was born in Spokane in 1912 and grew up on a wheat farm in Garfield, Washington. As a teenager she did farm chores, riding horseback or driving a pick-up truck. She was an honor student at Washington State University, and in the tradition of her mother, a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. After graduating she went to work at the Farm Credit Bureau in Spokane for Joseph Rupley. They married in 1936 and had two boys, Bill and Bob. In 1943 Joe went to work for the Bureau of the Budget in San Francisco, so the family of four moved to Orinda, California. Growing up on Camino Don Miguel (the 'hill') was a wonderful experience. After graduating from Acalanes High School, the two sons were sent to college at Stanford and Berkeley. Tragically Bob was killed in Caracas in 1965 while serving in the Peace Corps, and Joe died in 1968. Janet married Rod Church in 1975 and they spent fifteen happy years together with annual extended trips to Maui until Rod's death. In her later years Bill and Leslie lovingly looked after Janet. She is survived by her son Bill, his wife, Leslie, and daughter and son-in-law Mary and Bud Church. Janet loved her three grandchildren, Sebastian, David and Melina, as well as Seb's wife Amy, and great-grand-children Mary Kate and Emma. Her sister Jody Sahlin and family live in Spokane Washington. Friends and family are invited to the home of Leslie and Bill Rupley on Thursday, January 27th between 4:00pm and 9:00pm to celebrate Janet's life.

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