Jane Bryant Michaelsen
2/23/1923 – 3/26/2017

On February 24, 1923, a Western Union Telegram arrived at the Colfax, Washington home of Dr. Frank Bryant and Mrs. Erma Bryant. To the delight of Frank and Erma, the long-awaited message announced the birth of a "very desirable girl, a beautiful babe" available for adoption in Hastings, Nebraska.
A cross-country train trip brought Erma and her new daughter home to Colfax when Jane was 18 days old.

With her younger brother, Bill Bryant, Jane Bryant grew up and graduated Colfax High School with the class of 1941. She attended Washington State College and Stanford University. During World War II, Jane faithfully wrote letters to many soldiers who were fighting overseas, including one Virgil Michaelsen, who also happened to be a childhood friend!

Letters led to love and a proposal when Virgil returned from the Army. Jane and Virg were married at Christmas-time 1945. The next 54 years found them raising five children on their wheat farm, located near Pullman WA, followed by retirement in Pullman and at their float house on Lake Coeur d'Alene. By 1991 a daughter-in-law and several sons-in-law had joined the family, bringing along adoring grandchildren.

Jane and Virg loved to travel and made trips to Europe and Hawaii. Favorite pastimes included following WSU Cougar sports as well as the athletic activities and academic achievements of their grandchildren.

Virgil died in 1999. Their beloved daughter, Emmy (Mary Jane) died in 2016. Jane took much solace in watching her seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren reflect some of the talents, character traits and personalities of "Papa" Virg and Auntie Em.

In 2007, Jane moved to the Bishop Place Retirement Apartments in Pullman, where she formed many friendships and reveled in having a new audience for her funny stories and reminiscing. In 2016, she moved to Moran Vista in Spokane, WA to be closer to her family.

A wonderful surprise topped off Jane's long life with the discovery of a "bonus" family in 2014. She found her birth family 91 years after her adoption! Jane was able to meet a new brother and sister as well as several nieces and nephews.
Jane's "other family" enriched her life in her final years and she was grateful to finally know the rest of her story.

Jane was a life member of Eastern Star, a 70-year member of PEO and a longtime member of the Pullman CCUCC church.

Jane's children and their spouses are Susan and Jon Lee, Peggy Michaelsen, Ann and Don Erickson, Bill and Carla Michaelsen, Emmy Michaelsen (d.) and David Bertschi.

Jane's grandchildren and their spouses are Megan Stohr, Jaimie Lee and Tom Hickcox, Katie and Ken Boggs, Brian Lee, Mike and Jackie Erickson, Reed Michaelsen and Daniel Drane III, Leah Michaelsen and Mike Johnson.

Jane's great-grandchildren are Anya and Sage (Megan), Ella and Max (Jaimie) and Jack, Maggie and Logan (Katie).

Her "bonus family", brother Bob Baney and sister, Idalene Baney Fink and the rest of the Baney family also survive Jane.

Jane's countless friends made her life richer. Her caregivers made her life more comfortable. Her family thanks you all.

A special thank you is meant for Pastor/Reverend Lynn Nelson. Lynn has known Jane since Lynn was a child. Jane was grateful to know that Pastor Lynn will be with us when we gather to celebrate her life.

A memorial service to celebrate Jane's life will be held on Sunday, April 2nd, 3:00 p.m. at Bruning Funeral Home in Colfax, Washington. Jane will be laid to rest in the Colfax Cemetery near her husband, her daughter, her parents and her brother. Memorial donations are suggested to the Colfax cemetery fund or a charity of your choice.