Janie Leib Somps
Reno - Janie Leib Somps, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, passed away on January 31st with a grace and beauty that mirrored and shaped her life; a life too full to capture in a few short paragraphs.
Janie was born in 1932 in Los Angeles to John and Lubel (Northcote) Glascock. She spent her childhood with her sister Mary and brother Scott growing up innocently during tumultuous times. From the early days of Beverly Hills, to the sandy beaches of Laguna Beach, California, to the banks of the Umpqua River in Oregon, to the orchards of California's Central Valley, Janie had a story for every place she lived as a child.
After graduating from high school in Hughson, CA, she continued her studies at the University of Colorado Boulder, obtaining her degree in Art History and English in 1954. The Rocky Mountains instilled in Janie a love and a passion for the mountains that she took with her to the Sierras, where, in 1954, Janie found herself teaching 2nd grade in South Lake Tahoe.
In 1955, Janie met her best friend and love of her life, Robert, in a little bar at the top of Echo Summit. Married in San Francisco in 1957, Janie and Bob began their life in Reno together where they raised their four children. Janie dedicated herself to loving and raising her children and creating a beautiful home and family life. She was truly an amazing mother. But she was much more than a great mom. Never one to sit still, Janie loved doing many different things. She was a volunteer at Washoe Medical Center and was a founding member of the Junior League of Reno. She was also a talented artist, cook and gardener, and enjoyed skiing, playing tennis, and hiking. She was an avid reader with an insatiable mind, open and always curious. She was authentic and honest and listened deeply to all. And she was always searching for the next travel destination, perhaps to her husband's consternation.
Some people make a mark on the world in big ways, in monetary ways, in noisy and flamboyant ways. Janie's mark was made through the beauty that radiated from her, surrounded her, and that imbued her life and the life of everyone she came in contact with. Janie, loved by so many, will be missed immensely. But we know that she is at peace and that her fierce spirit will live on.
Janie is survived by her husband, Bob; her four children: Chris Somps (Leslie), Suzie Long (Dean), Renee Whitney, and Mike Somps (Kenya), and her many grandchildren: (Rob, Sarah, Jessie, Tom, Casey, Andrew, Ben, Nina, Maya and Sienna) and great grandchildren.
A celebration of life and a reception will be held on Sunday, February 25th, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Reno, Nevada. In lieu of flowers, Janie would have loved donations to be made to the SPCA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Janie was wonderful; I thought the obituary captured her beautifully. She had a very positive influence on my life as a youth. My sincere condolences.
Dave Mathis
February 11, 2018
Bob & family,
Roger & I were saddened to hear you lost your beautiful sweet Janie. You both were one of Roger's favorite customers.
GOD bless you with his love & strength,
Sherry
Sherry iveson
February 11, 2018
To the family and friends, I am truly sorry for your loss. In this difficult time, I hope you find peace in the god of all comfort.
February 8, 2018
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