Janet Joy Loftis

1943 - 2015

Janet was born New Year's Day January 1, 1943 in Pawhuska, Oklahoma to Lucinda and Henry Jech and selected as Little Miss Pawhuska 1943. She graduated from Pawhuska High School in 1961 and sang soprano in the acappella choir. On August 6, 1960, she married Jerry Don Loftis in the First Christian Church of Pawhuska. Janet was baptized as a child into the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where she remained a life-long active member and maintained a strong faith. She served as elder and in a number of capacities to support various committees. Beginning November 6, 1990, she also worked as an Inspector for the Osage County Election Board serving 25 years. Janet served as the bookkeeper for JL & Associates LLC, where employees affectionately referred to her as "The Boss" or "General Janet". Over the last several years, Janet worked to restore a craftsman's style residence built in 1925 from which she ran JJ's Place, a bed and bath.
Janet is survived by her husband, Jerry, whom she dearly loved and was married to for 54 years. She is also survived by daughter Dawn Johnson and husband Jeff, son Terry Loftis, beloved and special niece Lavon Newell and husband John, sister-in-law Mary Jech, nephews Raymond Jech, niece Joyce Jech, Glen Jech Jr., and John Jech and wife Melissa, nephew Stuart Connor and wife Andrea, niece Teresa Maxwell and husband Chuck, and her much loved Bichon Frieze companion dog Buddy of 13 years, and other nieces and nephews. Janet's 3 grandsons, Terry Loftis II, Tyler Johnson, and Peyton Johnson, were the love of her life and she developed special relationships with each of these boys. With her grandsons, Janet enjoyed discussing the names and meanings of the full moons, playing games, and teaching them drive at an early age.
Janet dearly loved her family and was much loved in return by her family and friends. Her favorite past times included gardening, watching birds, and naming wildlife and squirrels that frequented her yard after some of her dearly departed friends. She relished beating family members nightly at "Wheel of Fortune" and enjoyed betting and frequently cashing her standard 1-1 daily double bet at the horse races. Janet also shared her husband's love of cars and loved to go for rides taking Buddy along.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents and brothers' Glen Jech, Francis Jech and nephew Carl Jech. Two of the things she frequently said were: Be Kind and Don't Sweat the Small Stuff. She lived a wonderful full life and will be missed.
Funeral services will be held Monday, March 9, 1:00 PM, at the First Christian Church in Pawhuska, OK. Pastor Ron Eldridge will officiate. Interment will be in the Pawhuska City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Janet asked that people consider a donation to help others through Christ's Cupboard in Pawhuska or The Journey Home Hospice in Bartlesville. McCartney's Johnson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.