Janet Ingrid (Olesen) Huff

Janet Ingrid (Olesen) Huff, 91, was born Jan. 18, 1934, in Sunnyside, Wash, on the Porter Ranch, where her parents were tenant farmers. Janet was the youngest of three sisters born to Danish immigrant parents, Morris and Ingrid Olesen. In 1938, the family moved to their own small farm in Sunnyside, where Janet lived until college. She graduated as valedictorian of her high school class and earned scholarships to attend the University of Washington (UW). She graduated Cum Laude from UW with a teaching degree, earning the College of Education’s Top Senior award.

Janet met George Robinson Huff in 1954 while both were attending UW. They were married Dec. 17, 1955, in Seattle, and moved to Othello, Wash., in March 1957, where she began her teaching career and George began his law practice. Janet taught kindergarten for 18 years, followed by 10 more years instructing second-graders. 

Janet and George loved playing golf and took many golfing vacations. Together, they partnered to win the coveted Royal Tees Championship Tournament. Janet was also the Othello Women’s Club Champion in 1978. She was active in the Friends of the Library, Adams County Food Bank and Old Hotel Art Gallery. Janet was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Othello, enjoying the women’s group and Bible studies, and served a term as deacon. 

Janet loved to travel! She visited 57 countries throughout the world and saw every continent. She began traveling with George and then made many trips and memories with her sister, Mary Hunter. She ended her traveling adventures with her daughter, Cindy Hotaling. When she was not golfing, traveling or volunteering, she enjoyed watching all TV sports, helping many coaches and players do a better job.

Janet passed away peacefully Dec. 26, 2025. She is survived by her daughter, Cynthia Huff Hotaling (Gary) of Richland, Wash., and their children, Kathryn Bryant (Justin) and Eric (Melissa); her son, David Huff (Paulette), of Colleyville, Texas, and their children, Joshua (Robyn) and Matthew; and her son, Curtis Huff (Cindy) of Tacoma, Wash., and their children, Daniel (Abby), Nathan (Ally) and Benjamin. Janet also has five great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at Kennewick First Presbyterian Church, 2001 W. Kennewick Ave., Kennewick, Wash., on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

The family thanks Badger Mountain Adult Family Home and Hospice for their loving care of Janet. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Northwest Danish Association, 1833 N. 105th St., Suite 101, Seattle, WA 98133.