Janet M. "Cleaver" Garner

ALEXANDRIA, IN – Janet M. (Cleaver) Garner, 88, entered peace and rest from Community Hospital in Anderson on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, following a brief illness.

She was born on December 16, 1937, in Alexandria to William and Bertha (Eagleson) Cleaver and was a lifetime Alexandria resident. Janet was a graduate of Alexandria High School-Class of 1956. She retired from Guide-Lamp in 1986 after 30 years of employment. Following retirement, she worked for American Family Insurance in Alexandria. She was a member of the Alexandria Eagles #1771 and an avid fan of Notre Dame football. Janet was woman who never met a stranger. With a ready smile and an open heart, she could strike up a conversation and leave them feeling like an old friend. Janet's warmth was constant, even on days when she might not be feeling her best. She was fiercely proud of her family and deeply protective of those she loved. Janet was the steady center who kept everyone connected. Her generosity was quiet, but unwavering. She would rather go without herself than to see someone else be in need. She found joy in community. She bowled in several leagues for many years, forming friendships that lasted well beyond the bowling alleys. Janet was an avid and formidable bingo player and was a familiar face at the Alexandria Eagles. Her friends knew that if Janet was in the room, she would go for the Grand Prize. Her kindness, humor and steady presence shaped the lives of many. She leaves behind her family and a circle of friends who will carry her warmth forward. She is now reunited with her beloved husband Jim and her grandson Michael, a reunion that brings comfort to those who loved her.

Survivors:

Son-Jamie (Teri) Garner of Alexandria

Daughter-Jennifer (Steve) Pruett of Alexandria

Grandsons-Logan (Vanessa) Garner of Astoria, Oregon, Benjamin Murray of Anderson

Granddaughters-Megan (Tim) Ballard of Bloomington, Kaitlin Garner of Alexandria, Stephanie Fraley of Alexandria

Great-Grandchildren-Oliver Garner-Hahn, Silas Ballard, Maren Ballard, Tate Morris and Raegan Fraley

Several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 60 years-Jimmy Garner in 2018, grandson-Michael Murray in 2019, Sisters-Mary Lou Hurst in 2014, Betty Record in 2013, Brother-Robert Cleaver in 2004, in-laws-Sherm Hurst, John Record and Gloria Cleaver.

A Celebration of Life gathering will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Alexandria Eagles Aerie #1771, 217 Cleveland Street, Alexandria from 1 pm to 4 pm. Private inurnment of cremains will take place in the Serenity Columbarium Garden at Park View Cemetery in Alexandria.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alexandria Eagles Auxiliary-#1771, PO Box 449, Alexandria, IN 46001.

Janet's care and cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Owens Funeral Home in Alexandria.