Janet Farrior

Janet M. Farrior, 84, of Canton, Ohio graduated to glory on Thursday, November 3, 2022.

She was born February 10, 1938 in Pana, Illinois to the late Lewis and Blanche (Maloney) Rubenking.

Janet was a cherished only child. She had many stories of childhood imaginary friends, baking cookies with her mother, playing with her cousins and travels to see family.    One memory that really stuck with her was when WWII was over and everyone ran out into the streets shouting and celebrating. She said the men took off their hats, threw them in the air and everyone was hugging and kissing.

She adored both of her parents and was a loyal and faithful daughter. Her Mother (Blanche Rubenking)won many blue ribbons at state fairs for cooking and passed this talent on to Janet who loved to cook for her family and friends.

She was an incredibly talented pianist, giving her own two hour concert at 16 years old and continuing to play until just a few years ago.

Her Senior year of high school she went on a mission trip and loved it so much that at 17 years old she decided if she ever married, she and her new husband would go on a mission trip for their honeymoon.

Janet Rubenking met Don Farrior at church in the Fall of 1955 --- and fell in love instantly. She went home that afternoon and told her mother she had met the man she was going to marry --and she did marry him!    Don and Janet were married on June 14, 1959, against the encouragement of her parents (as the young couple still had their last year of college to complete). They honeymooned in Mexico on the mission field. One of her funniest life stories told of a point on their honeymoon when she and Don had to share a bed with a nun who insisted on sleeping in between them!

Don and Janet both graduated from Earlham College in Richmond, IN in the Spring of 1960. Don went on to earn a masters degree and then a doctorate, pastoring churches his whole working life. Janet chose to support him working in the home and being a picture-perfect pastor's wife. In Don's first churches she was the secretary, pianist, and child care worker. She also taught many Bible studies over the years and led various women’s groups.    She remained the primary emotional, physical, and mental support of Don in his ministry until 2009 when the love of her life passed away from Cancer. She was the best wife and pastor's wife this writer has ever seen.

Don and Janet were very involved in the Civil Rights Movement in the deep South during the 1960's and 70's. Janet was most proud of Don for his unwavering stand even amongst receiving multiple death threats from opposition of the day.

Janet was a wonderful mother and grandmother and created many priceless and warm memories for her family such as rocking and singing to her children and cooking with her grandchildren. Each one of her family members can’t help but remember the many delicious meals and beautifully set tables for holidays as well as her great listening ear, ready for hours of conversation (and music) with her family. She thoroughly enjoyed music, food, and keeping an immaculate house.

She was always gracious, laughed easily, and loved fiercely. She was greatly looking forward to seeing her loved ones that had passed on before her.    She knew that her deep faith and trust in Jesus as her Lord and Savior meant that she would be in heaven with them for eternity (John 14:6, Romans 10:9-10, I Thessalonians 4:13-14).

Janet is survived by her daughter Melissa (Tim) Gish, granddaughters Brittney Swank and Halsey (Ben)Roth; great-grandchildren Emme, Ellie, Cohen Swank and Ezra and Knox Roth and little baby Roth due June 2023.

She was also loved by her previous daughter-in-law Pam Lovett-Manzo, Chris' widow.

In addition to her parents Janet is preceded in death by her husband Dr. Donald G. Farrior, daughter Cindy Farrior and son Donald Christopher Farrior.

A graveside service will be held at 12 PM at Longview Cemetery on Monday, November 21, 2022.