Janice Roberts, 75

Janice Louise (Bennett) Roberts, 75, of Sandpoint, Idaho, and Tucson, Ariz., died June 14, 2024, in Tucson of cancer.

She was born July 9, 1948, to Artha and John "Jack" Bennett in Farmington, Wash. She graduated from Oakesdale High School. 

Jan will be remembered for her gentle nature, generosity of spirit, healing touch, and innumerable skills and talents, which ranged from playing multiple musical instruments to a wide variety of fine arts and crafts. Her family is already missing the many outdoor adventures, trips, and fun activities that Jan always planned for the whole family. Her grandchildren will remember her for being the most unconditionally loving grandma ever, her hugs that made everything better, and her smile.

She found her professional calling as a massage therapist and in 1994 cofounded the Moscow School of Massage in Moscow, Idaho, where many students benefited from Jan's teaching. In 2004, she was honored with the American Massage Therapy Association Teacher of the Year Award. Her private practice was also highly in demand, with some patients traveling hundreds of miles to experience transformative healing through her massage and other specialized bodywork.

In 2009 Jan and her husband, Jim, retired and spent their time traveling back and forth between Idaho and Arizona, spending time with family, hiking, biking, kayaking, birdwatching, and surveying bumblebees as volunteers for the Xerces Society.

Jan is survived by her husband, Jim, as well as her son, Waverly (Amy) Warwick, and her two daughters, Angela (Brian) Clarke and Anna Roberts (Steven Cottrill); five grandchildren, Brett, Dustin, Maxx, Summer, and Jack, and one great-grandson, Liam; and siblings Celesta (John) Dailey, Carleen Manly, John (Jeanne) Bennett, and Emma (Mike) Sandau. 

A celebration of life will be held at the Farmington, Wash., Community Center on July 13, 1 to 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made to the Xerces Society or Casa Alitas.