Janet Smyser Fenholt

Fenholt Janet Smyser Fenholt, 90, Columbus, Ohio, died July 21, 2016, just 46 days after the death of her husband, Robert L. Fenholt, to whom she was married for 70 years. Born July 27, 1925, to William Craig and Frances (Holt) Smyser, Janet was raised in Oxford, Ohio, where she graduated from The McGuffy School in 1943. She received a Fine Arts (vocal music) Degree from Miami University (Oxford, Ohio), and a Master's Degree in performance of sacred vocal music from The Ohio State University. Her career as a soprano included soloist at North Broadway United Methodist Church and Temple Israel, recital, concert, and oratorio. She appeared as guest soloist for many orchestras, as well as soloist in New York's Carnegie Hall with "The Sounds of Ed Montgomery." As an educator, Janet taught at both the high school and university levels, and was a lifelong volunteer tutor of disadvantaged children and adults. She authored and developed the READY TO READ! Adult Literacy Program that was utilized by non-profit organizations, prisons, and programs for at-risk youth in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, and Puerto Rico, and in workplace literacy programs in business and industry. Janet received numerous awards for her adult literacy program, her ongoing commitment of service to her local and national communities, and for her extraordinary commitment to serving humankind. She is survived by four children and their spouses; 11 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law; sister-in-law; and niece. A graveside service will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, August 13, 2016, at Oak Grove Cemetery, 334 S. Sandusky St., Delaware, Ohio. All are welcome.