Janet Vota Thomas

Janet (Jan) Vota Thomas was born on Feb. 8, 1935, to Jose Vota and Anna Maria Vigil in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but she spent most of her life in El Paso, Texas, and raised her family of six children there. Educated by Catholic nuns at Loretto Academy, she went on to study at Texas Western College. She had a full life, running her own shoe store for years and was known for her fashion flair and decorating expertise. She passed away peacefully at age 90.

Jan was a voracious reader and curious about everything from world affairs and history to the latest NBA All-Star or golf champion. She was an excellent golfer herself. She treasured Southwestern artists and owned artwork by many long-time El Pasoans such as Dorothy Geyer, Frederick Carter and Steve Edwards as well as a collection of turquoise jewelry, which was part of her signature look.

She was still sharp at her 90th birthday party in February, remembering the names of 70 children, spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, many nieces and nephews from the Arras family who attended. Besides being surrounded by family, she got her other wish—a mariachi band—a fitting tribute to her mixed heritage.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved siblings Sophie, Joe and Carl. She is survived by her younger sister, Alma Grand, and her husband, Chuck, as well as their three daughters.

She leaves behind six children, nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren: Tracy (Mike) McKee of El Paso, Texas, and their children Janet (Wade) Ivey, Landry (Tiffany) and Marshall; George (Cathy) Thomas of Santa Fe, N.M., and children Jaclyn and Annie; Holly (Jim) Henry of Flower Mound, Texas, and children Jordan (Daniel) Feldmann and Nick (Sajeevi); David (Kim) Thomas of Las Vegas, Nev.; Kelly (Jay) Pacheco of San Antonio, Texas, and children Victoria (Nate) Suida and Esteban; and Paul (Debbie) Thomas of Santa Fe, N.M.

She cherished the new generation: Janet’s children (Wyatt, Madeline, Jones and Rhett), Jordan’s (Dawson and Theo), Landry’s (Rogan and Rose), Nick’s (Hudson and James), and Victoria’s (Roland and Eva).

Mass will be said for Jan at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 1551 Belvedere St., El Paso, on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 10:00 am with burial following at Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Sunset Funeral Homes West. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her name to the El Paso Community Foundation, PO Box 272, El Paso, TX 79943 or online at epcf.org.

We would like to thank Elizabeth and Able at Three Oaks Hospice for their compassion and care.

Jan will always be remembered for her vivacious personality and the love she felt for her children and family.