Jana Grace Herder

Jana Grace Herder age 30, a resident of Taos New Mexico, and former resident of Corvallis, Oregon passed away on March 5, 2020. Jana was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Robert and Marguerite Bouvette; and by her paternal grandmother, Marjory Herder.  She is survived by her parents Todd and Lisa Herder; brothers Jacob Herder (Crystal Burch Herder), Geoffrey Herder, and Sean Herder; grandfather John Herder; two nephews Hunter and Jackson, and a niece Madison Grace, as well as many other loving relatives and friends. Jana was born in Austin Texas and moved to Corvallis, Oregon with her family in 1992.  Jana attended Crescent Valley High School in Corvallis Oregon, Class of 2007, and Clackamas Community College.  She lived in Portland for many years, prior to moving to Eugene more recently.  Jana worked and traveled all over the US, including Hawaii and Alaska and California, making lifelong friends wherever she went.  She loved roadtrips with family and friends and even solo. Jana was married to Ariel Fair from 2017 – 2019.  In November 2019 Jana moved to Taos where she began a great new job, began enrollment in Santa Fe Community College, and expanded her beloved Taos community of friends.  Her Taos home was on a ridge at an arroyo with stunning views. At the time of her passing, Jana was a cook\chef at the Edelweiss Lodge in Taos Ski Valley.  Her co-workers knew her as a talented, skilled, positive, and an encouraging colleague with a strong work ethic.   Jana had many dear and devoted friends that she left behind in Oregon, who also mourn her loss.  Friends across the country described her as the glue that bonded so many friendships together for years. Jana loved all aspects of the outdoors including camping, hiking, fishing, and snowboarding.  We will miss her competitive passion for the perfect campfire.  She had a passion for music, gardening and cooking; and a great passion for the Texas Longhorns, Portland Trailblazers, and the 49ers. Jana was a beautiful woman who was just as comfortable with a guitar, a fishing pole and shotgun, as she was in the kitchen hosting friends.  To know Jana for five minutes, and her outgoing and engaging manner, you could have an instant new friend.  Jana was a fiercely devoted daughter, sister and auntie.  Jana will be missed by all whose hearts she touched.  She made a huge impact on everyone she met. A Celebration of Life has been postponed until early June in Corvallis, Oregon. The family of Jana Grace Herder has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos.  866-657-4019 www.devargastaos.com