Janice Nugen

2/7/1947 — 7/9/2025

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Janice “Jan” A. Nugen, 78, died on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Lewiston, after a brief battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

She was born Feb. 7, 1947, in Tacoma, to Alton and Bernice Brooks. She was the youngest of three children. She was born much later than her two older brothers, Alton Jr. and Gordon Brooks. She was adored by her entire family.

Jan graduated from Lincoln High School in Tacoma in 1965. This is where she met and later married the love of her life, Ronald Lynn Nugen. They married on Feb. 2, 1968, in Tacoma, and spent an amazing 57 years together.

Jan graduated from Tacoma General’s nursing program. Soon after graduation, she was off to Connecticut where Ron was serving in the U.S. Navy. This is where their first son, Ronald “Ronnie” was born. Soon after Ronnie was born, they were transferred to Illinois. After a brief stint in Illinois, they were stationed in sunny San Diego. This is where they welcomed their second son, Michael. The family of four spent many years in San Diego. They enjoyed the outdoors together, especially ocean fishing and camping. There are many fish stories to tell.

The family moved to Gifford, in 1983 after Ron retired from the Navy. The entire family worked endlessly to make the family ranch their new home.

Jan worked as a pediatric nurse for North Idaho Children’s Home and later worked at Valley Medical Center where she finished her successful nursing career.

Upon retirement, the couple traveled the country in their RV. We are unsure how many times they trekked across the country. There was no thrift store off limits during their cross-country adventures — many treasures were found. They also had a passion for cruising and shared trips to Alaska, Hawaii, Caribbean Islands, Europe and China. Jan thoroughly enjoyed her trips to the ocean.

Jan had a real talent for genealogy research and helped many people over the years trace their family trees. She was known to have binders, papers and pictures all over the house in pursuit of family history. She found many interesting family stories and a few family secrets too. She had a love for feathered friends, always enjoying time with her beloved cockatoos.

She was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) where she held many positions within the Alice Whitman Chapter. She helped many DAR members prove their ancestral lineage back to the American Revolution. Jan also enjoyed being an active member of the Methodist Church in Orofino.

In 2009, Jan became a proud grandmother to twin grandsons, Preston and Parker. The boys have fond memories of camping and fishing with their grandma.

Jan will be remembered for her love of adventure and her dedication to helping others discover their family history.

She is survived by her husband Ron; sons Ronnie (Denetta) Nugen and Michael (Nyssa) Nugen; and grandsons Preston and Parker. Jan is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins, whom she loved staying in touch with throughout the country. Jan lived life to the fullest and will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

Honoring Jan’s wishes, no service will be held at this time. Jan chose to wait to be laid to rest until she and Ron can be buried together at the family plot in Gifford. Memorial donations in Jan’s honor may be sent to: American Legion Post 246, 829 15th St., Clarkston 99403. The family appreciates the love and support.

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