Janice LaRue Martin

Janice was born on March 23, 1941, in Hanford, California, to Russell and Emma Bowron. From 1950 to 1962, her family traveled back and forth between California and Washington State before finally settling in Yakima in the summer of 1962.

That same summer, Janice was set up on a blind date with John G. Martin, Jr.—a meeting that became the beginning of a lifelong love story. After a short courtship, Janice and John eloped to the Hitching Post in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and went on to share 65 years together.

In 1968, Janice and John welcomed the first of their three children, their son Don. Daughter Darlene followed in 1970, and son Dan in 1972. Janice was a proud and devoted wife and mother who loved her family deeply.

Throughout their life together, Janice and John made homes in Yakima, Washington, and Anchorage, Alaska, building a life centered on family, friendship, and shared memories.

Next to her family, Janice’s greatest passion was car racing. She could often be found in the stands as John’s biggest fan while he raced at Yakima Speedway, or at the go-kart tracks while the children were growing up. Later, she proudly cheered on Don and Dan as they raced at the speedway as well. During those years, Janice also enjoyed being part of the NASCAR Gals group, where she made many lasting friendships.

Janice loved NASCAR, and Bill Elliott was her favorite driver of all time. She and John spent many years traveling to Phoenix Raceway for the fall races, enjoying both the racing and camping at the speedway. As luck would have it, Janice was able to meet Bill Elliott several times and even had the opportunity to give him a ride on a golf cart. She and John also had the pleasure of meeting and having dinner with Joey Logano and Kasey Kahne during race weekends in Phoenix.

Janice loved camping and traveling, which took her to the Oregon Coast searching for hand-blown glass floats. On another occasion, on the way home from a trip to Phoenix, she and John took a detour to the Grand Canyon, creating another cherished travel memory.

Janice was blessed with many cherished friendships throughout her life, but the bond she shared with Patty Rhodes was truly that of sisters. Patty’s steadfast love and friendship carried Janice through life’s joys and hardships alike. Janice held especially close the memories she and John created with Patty and Rick—from camping adventures to simple backyard barbecues—each one a treasured part of a life rich in laughter and love.

Janice leaves behind her loving husband, John; her children, Don (Sharla), Darlene (Roger), and Dan (Cory); her grandchildren, Michele, Abigail, and Levi; and her great-grandchildren, Kaleb, Sam, and August.

She is also survived by her brothers, Jim (Mary) Bowron and Jerry (Toni) Bowron, along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by Great Granddaughter Sophia Martin; parents, Russell and Emma Bowron, and her sister, Judy Frey.

The family would like to thank the team at Apple Valley Rehabilitation for the wonderful care they provided to Janice.

Services will be held on September 29, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Brookside Funeral Home, with a graveside service to follow at Terrace Heights Memorial Park.