Janet Louise Bretz

In Loving Memory of Janet Louise Bretz

Janet Louise Bretz, 71, of Tonasket, Washington, passed from this life on July 25, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was a beloved mother, wife, daughter, sister, grandmother, and friend.

Janet was born on March 18,1955, in Monroe, WA to Alan and Bonnie Gardner. She was a graduate of Winthrop High School. She spent most of her life residing in Tonasket where she raised her family, and worked for the U.S. Forest Service for over 40 years.

Janet was a devoted mother who always put her children first. Family was the center of her life. Each and every moment spent with her children and grandchildren was treasured. She was a kind and caring person who welcomed everyone with warmth, compassion, and a smile. Janet was born with an adventurous spirit so she loved to travel and explore new places when given the opportunity. She loved dancing to a George Strait song and teaching others to country swing and two-step. Janet enjoyed watching Mariners baseball and was thrilled to watch them in the playoffs last season.

Janet was preceded in death by her brother, Scott Gardner; her father, Alan Gardner; and her brother, Steve Gardner. She is survived by her beloved husband of 27 years, Jim Bretz of Tonasket; her mother, Bonnie Gardner of Omak; her brothers, Dennis Gardner (Susie) of Winthrop; Duane Gardner (Kathy) of Tonasket; Nancy Gardner of Omak, and Rodney Gardner of Twisp; her sister, Lynn Northcott (Rick) of Winthrop and her five beloved children, Jason Ferguson (Amy) of Hartland, WI; Ryan Schmelzer (Jamie Raemaeker) of Spokane; Katie Weller (Brandon) of Tonasket; Christy Caton (Dean Page) of Spokane; and Chad Bretz (Riley Petek) of Spokane. She also leaves behind eight beloved grandchildren: Kase, Avery, Westin, Ryett, Bryant, Tyson, RaeAnn, and Logan, who filled her heart with endless joy and pride.

Janet will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her kind and generous heart, her adventurous spirit, and her impenetrable strength in all aspects of her life. Janet’s greatest legacy in life is the gift of unconditional love she showered on her children and grandchildren as she created countless memories with them.

Janet will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her love will live on in the hearts of her family and friends as we cherish our memories of her.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 11:00AM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Tonasket with Father Steven Werner and Father David Kuttner, presiding. Interment will follow at the Tonasket Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington, 12 E. 5th Ave., Spokane, WA 99202.