On Saturday afternoon, July 13, the Redlands Humane Society held a Celebration of Life at her ranch, The Centre at Greenspot 9350 Amethyst in Mentone for approximately 50 relatives, neighbors, Society and Mentone Chamber members as well as her ranch hands and others whose services she used in her ranch. The guests were treated to a street taco bar and was hosted by Rosemary Estupinan, Society treasurer and Board member. Ranch hands Maria Barrera, Santiago Luis and his son, Manuel, were visibly upset at the loss of their friend and employer. “They treated me like a son,” said Arnell Jackson of the Orbakers; he stated he also helped and has lived on the property for more than 15 years. “She appreciated whatever people did,” he added.
The reverse of the printed program bearing the above image stated:
“Jan was a remarkable woman whose love for horses and animals was matched only by her kindness and dedication to others.
“Her many equestrian accomplishments reflected not just her talent, but her unwavering spirit and grace. She found great joy in teaching children to ride, patiently passing on her knowledge and love of horses to the next generation. Her legacy will live on in every life she touched – in the arenas she graced, the students she inspired, and the gentle strength she shared with all who knew her.
“She married Richard Orbaker in 1973 and had a stepson, Kevin Orbaker. When Rich was injured and closed Redlands Feed in 2004, Jan helped him continue to run his business and kept it running till her passing.
“For over 29 years, Jan served as the heart and soul of the Redlands Humane Society. As President, she dedicated herself tirelessly to fostering and adoption events, ensuring countless animals found loving homes. Her compassion knew no bounds – she lovingly cared for cats in her cattery until their final days and extended her care to dogs, burros, pigeons, Soda Pop (a pot belly pig), and Hercules (the goat). Jan had a special bond with all animals, but especially with Noodles, her longtime loving horse companion, Goggles, her beloved cat, and Boomer, her loyal dog. She loved them deeply and cared for them with unwavering devotion until the very end.
“Jan served as the Chair of the Mentone Chamber of Commerce from 2022-25 and Vice-Chair from 2020-21 where she played a key role in community engagement. Her leadership extended to active participation in hallmark events such as Mentone Days and the International Film Festival – both of which celebrate the region’s rich culture and spirit. In recognition of her outstanding service and dedication, Jan was honored as the 2025 Women of Distinction for the Mentone area, an award presented by Assemblyman James Ramos of the 45th Assembly District.”
A table held photos of many of Jan’s competitions, some from her early childhood, and several of her awards.
Celebration guests were invited to write their memories of Jan, which were then read by another guest. Those memories included knowing her for more than 20 years; having many conversations with her while performing horseshoeing or other services for her or just sitting by the barn; attending meetings with her, other than the Chamber meetings; riding horses with her, including as children and other family holidays; her teaching them riding and other skills; knowing her to take in and rehome stray animals; or being present in Chamber and COMET or Society meetings. Jan had adopted her favorite cat, “Goggles” from another guest: “She was kind of a mentor to me because of her vast knowledge of animals. I will for sure miss her! When I come up here now I see her everywhere up here and I miss her so so much.” One young former student and weekend ranch hand remembered that she told Jan she could do something with Jan’s horse that she couldn’t do, failed at it and Jan then told her that she “broke the horse”! Others knew her as a neighbor for many years. “She took a trailer and hauled burros from central California so they could be saved,” stated one.
Jan leaves to mourn her brother, Greg Woodbury; stepson, Kevin Orbaker; cousin, Suzanne Owens; second cousin Sarah Owens; and her ranch hands. MM