Janifred Koopman "Jan" Leyse

Jan Leyse, 90, died on Jan. 22, following brief and loving care at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Ketchum. A memorial service is planned at the entrance lobby of the St. Luke’s hospital on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 4 p.m. St. Luke’s will serve refreshments.

Since moving to Sun Valley with her husband 22 years ago, Jan spent most of her days volunteering for her favorite causes. Jan was involved in the Community Library Home Tour and Sun Valley Summer Symphony, and served on the Sun Valley Ski Club board for many years. Jan’s most recent service was with the St. Luke’s Wood River Volunteer Core board. Jan started volunteering at the hospital in the year 2000 and soon after joined the board of directors. Jan held a board seat for six years. Her positions on the board included treasurer, historian, co-chair of the Autumn Gala and president of the board. Jan highly appreciated the cooperation of her associates.

If Jan was your friend, it was a relationship for life. She was an ethical, honest, loyal and loving friend. She also had an amazing mathematical mind. Not only could she file your income taxes in record time, she ran a tight budget with a to-the-penny balance in the board’s accounts. She loved being the treasurer; it was her best forte and contribution to the organization. We were blessed to have her talent and continued dedication.

Prior to Sun Valley, Jan provided decades of service to several organizations, including the American Association of University Women, of which she was president of the Saratoga, Calif., branch. She also volunteered at the John Muir Memorial Hospital.

Jan was a graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder, where she took first place in Women’s Athletic Association archery and skied at every opportunity. On a personal level, Jan was a compassionate listener and knew just what to say to help you realize there are two sides to every story, look at your part in it and come up with the best outcome for everyone involved. In the end she wanted everyone to be happy. And to her end, may she rest in peace, and long live her best outcome in the legacy of her sons, Scott and Mark.