Janet Gall

Sunday, July 21, 2024 9:53 pm

Janet Elaine Lynes Gall, age 95, passed away peacefully at Barthell Eastern Star Home on Saturday, July 20, 2024, leaving a legacy of kindness, generosity, and faith.

Born on Aug. 14, 1928, in Long Beach, California, Janet was the daughter of Leo Harrison Lynes and Leile Kathryn Cowlishaw Lynes, who grew up in Iowa. She grew up a single child with her parent’s love and the loving presence of her mother’s twin sister, Laura Cowlishaw.

Janet’s early years were filled with adventures, often spent traveling across the country in the family Oldsmobile to visit relatives in Iowa. A lover of dolls and an enthusiast of learning, Janet flourished during her early school years, laying the foundation for a lifetime of academic achievement and service.

Janet’s commitment to education was unwavering. After earning a B.A. in Elementary Education from Redlands University, she continued to pursue her passion, obtaining a Master’s in Education from Long Beach State University. For 28 years, she dedicated herself to shaping young minds, leaving an indelible mark on generations of students. Her exceptional dedication was recognized when she was awarded Teacher of the Year for her district, a testament to her unwavering commitment to educational excellence. She was a primary grade teacher – kindergarten, first, and second grades in Redlands, Riverside, Ontario, Pomona, and Hemet, California.

Faith was the cornerstone of Janet’s life, and music was its expression. A talented musician, Janet shared her musical gifts with her community as a violinist, pianist, and vocalist. Her lovely voice graced the church and enriched community chorales. She also planned many Sunday school programs and school operettas. Janet’s faith journey led her to meet her beloved husband, Richard Purcell Gall, in the church choir at Riverside Presbyterian Church. On August 25, 1956, they started a journey of love and companionship over five decades until Richard’s passing in 2007.

Janet’s life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and service. Her gentle spirit, resiliency, unwavering kindness, and boundless generosity touched many lives. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the many lives she touched.

Janet is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Fritz (James) of Decorah, IA and Suzanne Arabshahi (Cal) of Redondo Beach, CA, and her grandchildren, Nate Jordan of Oakland, CA, Ruth Balgley (Eric) of New York City, NY, Reuben Hollander of Los Angeles, Deanna Fritz Gazlay (Jacob) of Chicago, IL, and one great-grandchild, Margot Pedersen Jordan of Oakland, CA. Other relatives include sister-in-law Nancy Gall of Pheonix, AZ, nephew Cameron Gall (Karolina) of San Diego, niece Carrie Gall Donahue (Scott) of Redwood City, CA, niece Frances Gall Williams of AZ, many grand nieces and nephews, and many more Lynes and Cowlishaw cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, many cousins, aunts and uncles, her husband Richard Purcell Gall (2007), and her daughter Katherine Anne Gall Hollander (2022).

She will be buried in California at the Riverside National Cemetery beside her husband Richard. A service will be held in California at the gravesite.

Instead of flowers, donations may be made to “Good Shepherd Church – Youth Gathering” in Janet’s honor.

https://www.goodshepherddecorah.org/tithe-ly-giving/

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