Janet Louise Staten

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Janet Louise Staten of Jackson, Ohio. A woman of deep character and vibrant spirit, Janet lived a life as full of color and charm as the romance novels she so loved. She departed this life on July 8, 2025, at Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe, Ohio.

Born June 27, 1934, in Gallia County, Ohio, to John A. and Chloie Bea (Shover) Staten, Janet was a graduate of Jackson High School, class of 1952. She spent her life rooted in the Jackson community, where she worked in a variety of beloved local institutions including the Markay Theatre, Jackson Corporation, and later helped customers find their perfect fit at the Shoe Revue in Wellston. In every role, Janet brought pride, humor, and a personal touch that made her unforgettable. Janet’s tastes extended to food and drink, and she had high standards: a whiskey sour had to be just right, and sweet tea better live up to its name. She especially enjoyed lunchtime meals at Lee and Helen’s and indulged in the famous "Bubble" from Michael’s Ice Cream.

A true adventurer at heart, Janet explored many cities throughout her lifetime, but she loved one the most—Savannah, Georgia. Inspired by the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, she loved visiting there and was captivated by its Southern charm. Books were her passion and she enjoyed reading; she would sit on the front porch with her favorite romance novels and waved to those who went by.

Janet also treasured her outings with dear friends Loretta Jones, Mary Bloss, Helen Woodruff, Jeannie Leach, Connie and Davy. She met her friend Pat Stoll later in life but enjoyed their visits as though they were old friends.

Above all, she loved her family deeply. She leaves behind her son, Roger (Linda) Staten of Hickory, NC, and daughter, Teri Sue “Susie” (Tony) McKinniss of Springfield, Ohio. Her grandchildren—Justin Staten of Rock Hill, SC, Sean (Joyce) McKinniss of Upper Arlington, Ohio and Sara McKinniss of Columbus, Ohio—will miss her dearly. Janet is also survived by great-grandchildren: Marshall, Weston, Maverick and J.J. Staten, and Flora and Alice Bea McKinniss. She is also survived by her brothers Terry and Don Dee Staten, numerous nieces and nephews, and Judy Wastier, whom she called her adopted daughter.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, eight siblings, grandson Lane Staten, and great-grandson Liam Staten, all of whom we imagine greeted her warmly on the other side.

Special thanks go to her devoted sister-in-law, Margie (Kevin) Staten, for the love and care given in Janet’s final years, and to her special neighbor, Charlee, who helped keep her young at heart.

A graveside service to honor Janet’s life will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 3:00 P.M, Fairmount Cemetery in Jackson. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Jackson City Library, Sylvester Memorial Wellston Public Library, or your local library.