The Gatton, Lockyer and Brisbane Valley STAR, Wednesday, January 9, 2008 – Page 14 Jan Althaus: 1945-2007 JAN Althaus (Stubbersfield) passed away on December 30 following a three year battle with cancer. Throughout this time, Jan never lost sight of her dreams or ambitions and continued to put her family first. She showed strength and courage that was admired by all those around her. JAN was born on March 17, 1945 in Gatton to Edgar and Beryl Stubbersfield. She was the oldest of 4 children, her siblings being Kay, Edgar (Ted) and James. She attended Gatton Primary School followed by Gatton High School. She excelled at sport and represented her school in sprints at state level. Jan also represented the local area in swimming. Jan’s early teens were spent being a “brownie” and Sunday mornings were at Sunday school at the Congregational Church (now Uniting Church). Two tone a piebald horse was her loyal companion and sometimes her perverse friend. They were an inseparable team enjoying pony club and spending many hours riding around the country side. Saturday nights were often spent at the local dances with the same group of friends. The friendships she made in her formative years have endured through her life. After grade 10 Jan commenced work at the family business - Gatton Sawmilling Company in Old College Road and stayed there until the business was re-organised in 1999. Jan’s husband, -Doug came on the scene on Jan’s 17th Birthday and they were together since then. The couple married on the 7th October 1967 and built their first home in Woodlands Road. They had four children: Lisa, Megan, Anthony and Andrea. After nearly 21 years of living in Gatton they had a three month stay at Helidon and then moved to a Ropeley property which was the original selected land of William & Sarah Lowe (Jan’s great great grandparents). One life time ambition of Jan’s was to own a dress shop or a shoe shop, the latter was achieved when she purchased Gatton Plaza Shoes in December 1994. The business was relocated in 1996 into Railway Street and its name became Gatton Shoes R Us. With the help of Lisa & Megan she continued to work until the business was sold in July 2007. Over the years Church played an important part in Jan’s life, she loved teaching Sunday School and ushering on allotted Sundays. Jan battled with cancer since August 2004 and upheld her grace and determination throughout. She was supported by family, friends and the medical profession and never lost her faith and trust in God. Her time on earth ended on Sunday 30th December 2007 and will be sadly missed by all those, whose lives have been touched by her generosity, kindness and love. A Thanksgiving Service for Jan’s life was held at the Gatton Church of Christ on January 3 with over 600 family and friends attending the service. Make the switch to the world's best email. Get the new Yahoo!7 Mail now. www.yahoo7.com.au/worldsbestemail