Tina Janssen

Lettene (Tina) McEntire Ekenbarger Janssen, at 79 died unexpectantly on July 27th, 2022 at Cottage in the Meadow. She was born May 3rd, 1943 in Yakima, WA to James Herbert and Mabel McEntire. Tina obtained her High School Diploma (GED) in 1980. Tina worked as a waitress for most of her life but the last 26 years she was employed as a school bus driver for the Yakima School District. She started out in her mother’s restaurant as a young girl and worked at a number of local restaurants over her career. Tina loved the kids on her bus and they felt the same about her. There were so many that told her that she was the “best bus driver ever”. She has maintained relationships with former students to include “Maggie” who she had a very special bond with and who has become a member of the family. Tina is survived by her husband, Jim Janssen, daughter, Teresa and Todd Trepanier, daughter Kristina and Brian Miller. Five grandchildren, Tara and Tim Smith, Dustin Miller and Kelsey Smith, Trent and Sierra Trepanier, Matthew Miller and Bernadette Gagnier, and Parker Miller, and six great grandchildren. Tina is preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Mabel McEntire, son, James Elwood Ekenbarger, brother, Jasper Guy (Jack) McEntire, sister, Jimmie Sue Ekenbarger, and her special Granny Bell McEntire. A service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at Full Gospel Church at 2120 S. 3rd Avenue, Yakima, WA. A Potluck gathering will be held immediately following at Mel’s Diner, 314 N. 1st St, Yakima, WA. Please bring a favorite dish if you would like to contribute to the Potluck. Flowers may be sent to the Full Gospel Church or in lieu of flowers a donation to the church would be appreciated. Tina would also be honored if you wanted to donate to a charity of your choice in remembrance. The family would like to thank John Puccinelli for offering us a space to gather to remember Tina Janssen. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Tina Janssen, please visit our flower store.