Mrs. Jayna Lynn Saltz (née Casper), age 85, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, in Kennewick, Washington. Born on May 20, 1940, in Sioux City, Iowa, she lived a life filled with faith, love, and dedication to her family and community.

Jayna graduated from Leed's High School in Sioux City and pursued higher education with passion and determination. She attended Morningside Community College in Sioux City before earning her bachelor's degree in English Literature from Concordia College in St. Paul, Minnesota. Her academic journey continued at the University of Washington in Seattle, where she achieved a master's degree in social work.

Jayna's professional life was as diverse as it was impactful. She began her career teaching English and German at Brookings High School in South Dakota, sharing her love of language with her students. Later, she worked as a counselor at Ryther Child Center in Seattle, Washington, offering guidance and support to children and families. Alongside her husband Lawrence Saltz, she became a business partner in the Saltz Family Rental business, contributing to their shared entrepreneurial endeavors.

A woman of deep faith, Jayna's love for the Lord Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of her life. Baptized and confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church in Sioux City, she remained active in her church communities throughout her life. While raising her daughters, she taught Sunday School and directed Christmas pageants at First Lutheran Church in Sioux City and Christ the King Lutheran in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. She was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kennewick, serving on the Christ Care Board and participating in the Stephen Ministry. Jayna was devoted to sharing the Gospel and witnessing to others about the gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Jayna's personal interests reflected her vibrant personality and zest for life. As a young woman, she cherished summers spent at Lake Okoboji in Iowa, enjoying water skiing, swimming, and sunny days at the beach with her family. She adored animals, spending countless hours caring for her horses and mules, with treats for them always tucked into her pockets.

Her creativity shone brightly through her talents in writing and performing arts; she took on leading roles in productions at Coeur d'Alene Community Theater and Richland Players Theater and even appeared in television commercials. Jayna also had a gift for making holidays and birthdays extraordinary for her loved ones; her annual rhyming Christmas poem became a cherished tradition that captured family milestones with humor and heart.

Her fascination with history inspired her to collect antiques and delve into genealogy research. After years of dedicated study into her family roots—including a memorable trip to Ireland with her mother—she earned membership in both the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and The Mayflower Society. Jayna loved traveling, exploring the country and world on tours and cruises. Her intelligence, wit, humor, and warmth left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her. She had a knack for keeping every card ever sent to her—a testament to how deeply she valued connections with others.

Jayna is survived by her devoted husband of 34 years, Lawrence Saltz; her brother Bruce Casper, his wife Carol, and their children; her daughters Wendi Warner, Jodi Whitfield, and Traci Pierce; her grandchildren Derek Turbin and Kylie Arthur; her great-grandchildren Sophia and Maverick Arthur; and her stepchildren Roy Saltz, Larry Saltz Jr., Maryanne Saltz, Loretta Saltz, and their extended families. She was predeceased by her parents Arthur and Daisy Casper and an infant brother Delbert.

Jayna's legacy is one of faithfulness, generosity, humor, kindness, and unconditional love. Her beauty - both inside and out—will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her. May Jayna's memory bring comfort to those who loved her as they celebrate a life so richly lived.

A Viewing will be held on March 27, 2026, from 04:00 PM to 08:00 PM at Mueller's Funeral Home 1401 S Union St in Kennewick. A Funeral Service will be held on March 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church 2505 W 27th Avenue in Kennewick, followed by a Graveside Service at Riverview Heights Cemetery and a Reception at the church.

Condolences may be shared on Jayna's tribute page.