Janet Marie Dryden
September 20, 1947 – September 22, 2026

Janet was born to Alice (Smith) and Jack Dryden in Pasadena. Her early years were spent between Southern California, Spokane, and Yosemite National Park, where much of her family worked for a time.

Her family eventually settled back in Southern California, where she graduated from Upland High School in 1965. A true product of the big hair era, her father famously made her spray her bouffant outside.

In 1966, at age 18, she married Raymond Krueger, and they soon welcomed their firstborn son, Joel. Their daughter, Alicia, came fifteen months later, followed by Chad a couple of years after that. The family relocated to the coast of Humboldt County in 1974. Though they were a young family, there was never a shortage of love, support, and adventure.

Janet, born with the “Dryden Sense of Humor”, was highly intelligent, curious, and compassionate, with a vast and varied taste in music—everything from Mozart to Marley. She loved anthropology, astronomy, film, history, Native American and Women’s studies, and sociology. She earned her AA from College of the Redwoods in 1982.

She, Ray, and Chad relocated to Spokane in 1985. She became a docent at the Museum of Native American Culture and eventually went to work for the Spokane Public Library, where she made many close friends. An avid reader, she never went anywhere without a book.

After many years in Spokane, she moved back to Humboldt to be near her daughter and granddaughter. Arcata became her home, where she lived downtown in The Minor apartments. She landed a job at Tin Can Mailman, where she made many close connections in the community. She frequented Crabs games, Bubbles, APD, Minor Theater, Hensel’s, and Don’s Donuts. No one was a stranger, and everyone adored her.

After developing health issues, she moved in with her daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter, and doggy.

Janet passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones, just two days after her 79th birthday. She was a candid, kind, and open-minded creative who deserves to be immortalized in the stars above. Shine on, Mom!

The family would like to thank everyone who loved and supported her and her family during the final stages of her life. They would also like to acknowledge the exceptional care she received at Providence St. Joseph’s and especially from Hospice of Humboldt. A special thank you to Brian Schwartzberg of Lost Coast Bagpipes for the touching rendition of “Amazing Grace” as we said goodbye.

Janet is survived by her brother Mike and sister-in-law Gloria; brother Robert and sister-in-law Dawn; brother Tom; along with many nieces and nephews; her son Joel and daughter-in-law Terri; granddaughter Gracen and great-grandson Tommy; her daughter Alicia, son-in-law Aaron, granddaughter Damiana and faithful dog Badger; and her son Chad and daughter-in-law Elizabeth.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Janet Dryden’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.