Philanthropist Janet R. “Jean” Kellogg, a supporter and former trustee of The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), passed away in her home in Rancho Santa Fe on June 17, 2014. She was 96.

“We offer our sincere condolences to the Kellogg family," said TSRI President and CEO Michael Marletta. "Jean was an exceptionally committed friend of higher education and an extraordinarily generous philanthropist. At Scripps, her philanthropy has left a lasting legacy.”

In 2002, TSRI named its graduate program “The Kellogg School of Science and Technology” in honor of Mrs. Kellogg and her husband, W. Keith Kellogg II (who also served as a TSRI trustee). That same year, the institute granted the couple honorary degrees.

In addition to their contributions to the graduate program, at TSRI the Kelloggs also endowed a chair in chemistry and made a significant contribution toward the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center for Chemical Sciences building on the California campus.

A Passion for Education

Born on October 5, 1917 as Janet R. Raisler, she grew up in Bear Creek, Wisconsin, a farming community where she attended a one-room schoolhouse. After graduating from high school at age 16, she qualified to attend the University of Wisconsin, but realities of the Depression kept her from enrolling. This experience led to her passion for helping promising students gain access to education.

She later attended business school, worked as a nanny during World War II and managed a grocery store as a working mother.

In 1968, she married W. Keith Kellogg II, grandson of cereal magnate W.K. Kellogg. (See “An Uncommon Couple with the Common Touch”.) They began living part-time in San Diego County in 1972 and established full-time residence in Rancho Santa Fe in 1978.

The couple gave generously through an estate and through a foundation established in memory of Mr. Kellogg’s parents, Helen and John Kellogg.

In addition to their gifts to TSRI, the Kelloggs supported higher education at other campuses, including California Polytechnic University, California State University San Marcos and Northwestern University.

Mrs. Kellogg was also actively involved in a number of local organizations. She served as a member of the Scripps Institutions of Medicine and Science Foundation Board and was an ardent supporter of Scripps Memorial Hospital-Encinitas. She also volunteered for the Rancho Santa Fe Country Friends, the Rancho Santa Fe Library Guild, the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club and the RSF Senior Center.

Mrs. Kellogg was also known for raising prize-winning roses.

Predeceased by her husband, who passed away in 2005 at the age of 98, Mrs. Kellogg is survived by her two children, Tomas C. O’Connor and Carolyn McGurn, and two stepchildren, William K. Kellogg III and Joanne Beverlin. She also leaves four grandchildren, five step-grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

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