Jan Elizabeth Raber

Jan Elizabeth Raber, age 74, of Woodburn, Oregon—saved by the grace of Jesus Christ—passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Jan was a loving and faithful wife to Eli R. Raber, a proud mother to Olivia (Shane) Allman and Tyson Raber, and a devoted Oma to her beloved grandchildren, Max (11) and Cora (8). She is also survived by her sister, Pat (Leroy) Yoder, as well as several nieces and nephews. Born in Hutchinson, Kansas, Jan was the daughter of the late Charles H. Yoder and Grace V. (Shrock) Yoder. She graduated from Western Mennonite High School in 1968 and later entered voluntary service through the Mennonite Board of Missions. At just 19, Jan served as a nursing assistant at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she met her future husband, Eli. In the spring of 1972, Jan and her sister traveled extensively through Europe. She remained in Karlsruhe, Germany, for several months, working at a retreat center before returning to Oregon. Jan and Eli were married on August 4, 1973, beginning a life together built on love, faith, and service. Jan’s greatest joy came from caring for her family and supporting them in all aspects of life. She delighted in time spent with friends and found peace in her garden, joy in bird-watching, and fulfillment in travel, reading, puzzles, and games. A gifted textile artist, she poured her creativity and care into everything she did. Jan had a deep love for nature and warm weather. She especially cherished time spent at the Oregon Coast and Florida beaches, where she enjoyed the sunshine, ocean breezes, and the company of family and friends. Her years as a snowbird in Florida were some of her happiest. In 2014, Jan received a heart transplant at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California—a life-saving gift that gave her and her loved ones 11 more treasured years together. Her family is profoundly grateful for the time that gift allowed. Jan will be remembered for her love, her humor, her sharp wit, her wisdom, and the countless life lessons she exemplified and shared. Chief among them were her unwavering commitment to a life of sacrifice for Jesus Christ and her faith in God's sustaining grace through life’s challenges. She was a beautiful example of someone who recognized her God-given gifts and used them fully—whether in caregiving, creativity, or quiet encouragement—to serve others and bring glory to God. She will be dearly missed. "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." – Isaiah 40:31 A memorial service will be held on July 12 at 4:00 p.m. in the auditorium at Woodburn Estates, Woodburn, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jan’s memory may be made to Oregon Right to Life at ORTL.org. Arrangements by Simon Cornwell Colonial Chapel.

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Jan Elizabeth Raber

September 11, 1950 - May 22, 2025