Janis Sue Anderson: A Fighter, a Storyteller, and a Lover of Life

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Janis Sue Anderson
November 16, 1938 – February 11, 2026

A fighter to the end, our mother, grandmother, and friend, Jan Anderson, lost her battle with cancer on February 11, 2026. 

Born November 16, 1938, in Shelton, Washington, Jan was a scrapper from the beginning. The youngest of four, she grew up keeping pace with three older brothers in a hardworking family, raised in a lumber town, surrounded by relatives. Jan remained close with her family and cousins throughout her life. 

After high school, Jan married Bill Swank and landed in Fortuna, where they raised a growing family of three busy boys, Allen, Jay, and Chris. Divorced in 1974, Jan found lasting love with Alfred Anderson, marrying in 1979 and expanding her family to include Kim, Russell, and Leonard. Al and Jan shared a career in large construction and engineering projects, with Alfred in the field and Jan in the office. Their vocation took them to many locations throughout the Pacific Northwest and then the Bay Area. Ultimately, they found their way back to Humboldt County, where they established a thriving blueberry farm in Honeydew with a loyal following at Farmers’ Markets. After a successful run with blueberries, Jan and Al settled in Redcrest and enjoyed fishing out of Humboldt Bay or Shelter Cove, visiting casinos, tending their orchard, spending time with family, and just being together. 

Jan sorely felt the loss of her husband Alfred in 2012. Following that, Jan lived out the rest of her days exactly as she wanted: reading, working in her beautiful flower garden, taking trips to the casino, and visiting with family and friends. Jan passed peacefully at home, under the watchful eye of her cat, “Skitter,” and a caring network of loved ones. 

Jan was known for her sharp wit and lively storytelling. She loved to laugh and had a way of bringing humor into even the most ordinary moments. She was kind and generous with her affection, especially toward her children and grandchildren, who knew without a doubt that she loved them deeply. 

Al, Jay, and Russell preceded Jan. Jan is survived by her sons Allen Swank (Melinda), Chris Swank (Sabrena) and granddaughter Jessica (great-granddaughter Peyton); step-daughter Kim Hinkson (Terry) with granddaughters Kate, Hannah, Jesse, Rachel, and Emily and their families including 16 great-grandchildren; and step-son Leonard Anderson (Amanda) with grandchildren Charlie and Sara and their mother Lynn Anderson, and their families including 4 great-grandchildren. 

Jan’s family and friends will deeply miss her. However, Jan’s laughter, stories, and steadfast love will remain as a legacy to us always.