Janie Sue Lutje
September 12, 1946 - February 16, 2013
Obituary
Janie Sue (Binder) Lutje
Janie was born September 12, 1946 in Laramie, WY, and died February 16, 2013 in Federal Way, WA at the age of 66. Janie’s passions were gardening, cooking, and beach combing on the Oregon coast.
Janie is survived by her husband of 43 years, Frank Lutje, daughters Jenna and Katy Lutje, and brother John (Sue) Binder.
Memorial Service Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at 11:00am at Bonney-Watson Federal Way, 1535 SW Dash Pt. Rd. Federal Way, WA 98023 (253) 839-7317.
We are so sorry for your loss and we wish God’s blessing on your family. Our prayer is for comfort and understanding for all of you.
A neighbor who thought they were a loving family, and wish to express my sympathy to all.
She was a wonderful friend and bridge player too. . . so very sad about her passing and my heart goes out to Frank, Katy and Jenna. She bravely fought her health challenges as well with a good sense of humor as well. Janie, you’ll be missed and Frank and girls we are all here for you and sending you love and prayers right now.
Susan and Gene White
Frank, Jenna and Katy, we remember Janie as a witty lady who was a wonderful cook, kept a beautiful garden and made a warm and gracious home before she was overcome with health issues. We enjoyed our many bridge sessions together through the years and our time as church members when our girls were all school-age. You’re all in our thoughts and prayers during this time of loss.
since i can’t come to the memorial service just wanted to let you know i am thinking of you all. love
Janie was my closest and dearest friend for many years. My heart is broken and I shall miss her dearly. My condolences to Frank, and the girls in this time of sadness. I wish I could be there for the services. I am thankful that I got to see her last month.
We have known Frank and Janie, since the late 60s she
has always been a dear soul and a loyal friend og ours. God bless your family, and may she rest in peace.
Glen and Terri
We did not know Janie, but do know Frank and our heart goes out to him
It was very sad to here of Janie’s passing.I remember years ago talking about our years at Highline High School.Linda and I will have her in our hearts and will most assuredly think of her when we are at Cannon Beach, Ore.You take care Frank and we will see you soon.
Janie & I met when we were 16 or 17, just a couple of long-haired girls infatuated with the hip Seattle scene. Complete opposites in so many ways, an unlikely friendship that carried us into our twenties when we drifted off into our separate adult lives. The last time I saw Janie, she was dating Frank. So… 40+ years ago. I never imagined we’d never see each other again. Janie, rest in peace dear friend. Decades came and went, but I never forgot you and our youthful friendship. You were one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known.
Janie and I were next-door neighbors as kids and remained lifelong friends. We shared so much over all the years. Janie was a brave soul throughout her illness and we lost her too soon. Thank you, Frank, for taking such good care of her.
I’ll always remember the dinners we used to have at each other’s home. I’ll certainly take you (Frank) up on your suggestion on going out to lunch soon. Janie will surely be mssed and I’m glad I got to talk with her a couple of weeks ago. She was ready to go and she is now in a beautiful place without a care. My condolences to Frank, Jenna and Katy.
Janie and I were 1st cousins, separated by the many miles between Washington and Texas. We corresponded through letters during our teenage years, but never got to see each other. Finally, in 2008, we were fortunate enough to visit Seattle and reconnect. It was wonderful meeting Frank and the girls, and Janie was so much the cousin I really had never gotten to know. Frank and Janie were so hospitible, taking us to fireworks display, celebrating our anniversary, and sightseeing in the area. Yes, we had to visit the rose garden, one of her many loves. We will always cherish that visit. She will certainly be remembered with love. God Bless Frank and girls.
Janie had such a great sense of humor. We enjoyed the many bridge nights with both she and Frank. We wish Frank, Jenna and Katy peace during this time of sadness.
Our deepest sympathy on your loss. May God bring you comfort as you cherish warm memories.
I was saddened to hear of Janie’s passing. I cannot imagine how difficult it is to lose someone you love so deeply. My prayers go out for you and your daughters.
My deep condolences to the Lutje family.
What I remember about Janie is that I first met her standing on our front steps just after the mover finished moving us in. She was holding an oddly familiar orange cat. She asked, is this your cat, he was sitting by our back door. So, I guess Banjo introduced himself first. We shared an interest in furry animals. She fed the squirrels and I fed the raccoons. She was not pleased about the raccoons.
What I remember about Janie is that she had 2 beautiful daughters, Jenna and Katie, who was about 11 months old.
Janie was thinking babysitter and I was thinking, she isn’t ready for Godzilla the babysitter.
What I remember about Janie is that we have been good friends for 35 years and she did her best to teach me the finer points of gardening.
What Janie remembers about me is that I was the only person in the neighborhood that thought evergreens were gardens,
What I remember about Janie were her beautiful gardens, The roses that she had (and even knew their names) and the dahlias that were so awesome. Thanks to my digital camera I will have the pictures of them forever.
What I remember about Janie is that she just couldn’t understand that I thought an Oregon Grape plant was a flower.
When I finally got it into my thick head that flowers were good, well simple ones anyway, we talked over the fence when we gardened. Janie had to teach me that gardening out here can start in March and last until November.
What I remember about Janie when she was starting to have problems with her health, she continued to do her favorite things as best she could. It was her attitude that amazed me. She did not have any intention of giving up.
Recently we didn’t get to see each other as often but we were still only a phone call away and we talked often.
So, Janie, with a glass of your favorite wine in my hand, I toast you and say this sometimes ugly world is a better place for your being here. I am going to miss you forever.
And as promised, will keep an eye on your family.
Mom…
I never got the chance to meet you before God called you home but not a day goes by that I don’t think of you. I have learned of your husband Frank and am thankful you had such a caring and kind man to share your life with.I have also learned of your beautiful girls Jenna and Katy. I miss you mom as crazy as that sounds.I am sorry Frank Jenna Katy that you lost such an amazing wife and mother. I have learned so much about you from your brother. I know you are up in heaven planting rose gardens. Just know this I lovv you and Happy Mother’s Day
we’ll i grew-up w/both Jenna & Katy; i went to Junior High & High School w/Jenna and met Katy her sister too!
i know what their going through because i lost my mom; (Madelyn) Rachel Hughes Malcolm 1 week after our son’s 1st birthday in March 2009!
it’ hurts to loose a loved one; i also lost Michelle Ann Martin; & Susan Eileen Blaha too!
it’s been a difficult road but i’m managing; i knew Janie; it’s sad when someone close to u dies!
i miss my mom very much but i’m glad that she’s in Heaven now!
my Grandma; Josephine died too; i miss her too!
with my deepest sympathy to ALL the families and friends. My sister Karen and I lost our dad on June 30th 2013. we will miss him so very much, he had a love for flowers also 🙂 God now has Janie and our dad to watch over our beautiful world. thank you our Lord for all the love and thoughtful people who have touched our lives and for all the different ways people come together in one way or another to fill our hearts with love and understanding. may Gods love hold all dear to one another 🙂
it was your birthday yesterday mom and you were really in my thoughts. I know you are at peace now and no longer in pain. I thank God for that. I can’t imagine spending my birthday in a more beautiful plaice. Happy Birthday Momma! I love you. Love your daughter Karen