Jennifer Bridgette Lantz and Zane Wesley Lantz

Jennifer Bridgette Lantz, lovingly known as Jen, and her son Zane Wesley Lantz, of Vaughn, died Jan. 27, 2026. She was 48 years old; he was 24.

Jen was born April 30, 1977, in North Shields, England, to Stuart Yellowlees and Stephanie Ann. She later made her home in Washington, where she built a life centered on family, love, and caring for others.

Her son Zane was born Oct. 20, 2001, in Tacoma.

Jen graduated from Peninsula High School in 1995 and went on to earn a master’s degree in school counseling from Saint Martin’s University in Lacey. Her education and career reflected something that came naturally to Jen — her desire to care for, encourage, and help others.

She worked as a counselor in the South Kitsap School District and as a paraeducator in the Peninsula School District.

Throughout her career, she worked with students of all ages and most recently supported students in the Community Transition Program for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Jen also provided respite care for individuals with special needs as a second job.

Zane operated his own lawn care business.

He loved and respected his parents, and shared a special bond with his sister, Skylar. His family knew the caring and thoughtful person at his core — a young man who was always willing to lend a hand and help someone in need. He loved the outdoors and the freedom of exploring the mountains and wild places of the Pacific Northwest. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, fishing, and spending time outside. He found happiness in the outdoors and in the experiences he shared with the people closest to him.

Zane was someone who cared deeply for the people in his life.

Jen and her son Zane are survived by her husband and his father, Brad; her daughter and his sister, Skylar; Jen’s father, Stuart Yellowlees; her mother, Stephanie Ann; and her brother, John; along with extended family, friends, colleagues, students, and the many people whose lives were forever changed by knowing them both.

A memorial service celebrating the lives of Jen and Zane will be held at Christ the Rock Community Church in Port Orchard at 11 a.m. Aug. 8. For those unable to attend in person, a livestream link will be available on the church’s website the week before the service.