Janet (Jan) Kay Staples of Moses Lake, Washington, passed away on November 19, 2025, from a hemorrhagic stroke at Sacred Heart in Spokane WA.

Janet was born on February 4th, 1958, in Devils Lake, ND, to Reino and Ruth Erickson of Brocket. Growing up, Jan was involved in sports, track and music. She participated in many youth church activities and was confirmed at United Lutheran in Brocket ND.

Jan also helped on the farm by doing field work, driving trucks, mowing grass, and taking care of chickens.

Jan was proud of saying “I am 100% Finnish” She definitely had SISU which is a Finnish word for “strength and courage “

Jan graduated from Valley City State University in ND with a double major in music and education. She married Mike Kuklok, and they had 4 children together. They moved and lived in several different locations including England during Mike’s work with the government.

Janet later met and married Scott Staples in Idaho Falls, Idaho but lived out her final years in Moses Lake WA. For the past 10 years she was an active, serving member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. She was an active member of both The Fraternal Order of Eagles and The Benevolent Protective Order of Elks where she just received the Elk of the year award. She also belonged to the local American Legion and senior center. She participated in the local Parkinson's group. She loved bowling, playing darts and other games with friends. Janet loved music and playing the piano and was a member of the Bell Choir.

Even though Janet lived with advanced Parkinson's and Arthritis for over 12 years, she never used that as an excuse for not living and loving life to its fullest as witnessed by her numerous friends and family members.

She is survived by her Husband Scott Staples of Moses Lake WA. Children: Jennifer Kuklok, Nicholas Kuklok, Rebecca Kuklok, Daniel & Samantha Kuklok, grandson Weston and stepchildren Angela Curbo and Kayla. Siblings: Susan Foster, Joyce Carter and Kevin Erickson.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents Reino and Ruth Erickson. Siblings: Barbara, Raymond, James, Nancy, Peggy and Keith.

Janet’s cremains will be buried in the Erickson Family plot in the Finnish Cemetery near her hometown of Brocket, ND on Friday May 22, 2026 at 11 a.m. A luncheon will follow at the Brocket town square for those who wish to attend.