Jan Marie PleshaJan Marie Plesha, 54, passed away Monday, Oct. 27, 2014, after battling melanoma cancer. She was born on Feb. 8, 1960, to Chuck and Bev Ballard in Ellensburg, Wash. Jan grew up on the family farm in Cle Elum and forever called it her home. She graduated from Cle Elum High School in 1978, where she met the love of her life, Steve Plesha. Shortly after graduating high school, Jan and Steve began their beautiful journey in life together and were joined in marriage on April 28, 1979. Their family was complete once their two daughters, Candace and Lindsey, were born. Jan worked for the Kittitas County Fire District #7 as a commissioner's secretary. She loved her job and her coworkers. Jan's most treasured memories came from spending many hours on horseback, camping, gardening, mini getaways, family time, cooking and farming. Jan's family was everything to her. She was an incredible wife, mother, daughter and friend. Many people admired her deep love and selflessness toward others. Jan was a friend to all who crossed her path. Her warm spirit and infectious smile changed many lives and helped build a strong circle of family and friends. Throughout her life she was strong and courageous beyond imagination. She never let her battle against cancer defeat her spirit.Jan is preceded in death by her brother, Greg Ballard. She is survived by her husband Steve Plesha; two daughters, Candace Silverwood (and husband Todd) and Lindsey Myhre (and husband John); a grandson, Trent, and soon-to-arrive granddaughter, Aliyah. She is also survived by her parents Chuck and Bev Ballard of Cle Elum; a brother, Doug Ballard (and wife Renata); a sister, Becky Bradbury (and husband Denny), as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Please join us for a Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. Nov. 3 at the Swauk Teanaway Grange. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Melanoma Cancer Research Foundation, P.O. Box 759329, Baltimore, MD 21275-9329 (www.melanoma.org) and the Kittitas Valley Fire District #7, 123 E. First Street, Cle Elum, WA 98922.