Janet VanMeter

D. Janet VanMeter passed away July 31,2024. She was born in Henryetta, OK to parents Joseph Rudolph " Rudy" Harkins and Ella Belle Thompson Harkins on November 14, 1931. She attended Henryetta schools and graduated High school in 1949. During High School she was Pepperette, football queen attendant, a member of Methodist Youth Fellowship and acapella quartet. Along with three others during her junior year, she wrote the Henryetta High School Alma Mater, "By the Hills of Tulledega"

Janet married her high school sweetheart, Eugene VanMeter on December 22,1950.

Directly out of high school, she worked as a switchboard operator for Southwestern Bell and was a representative for the local business office for 24 years.

A longtime member of Henryetta Methodist Church since her early teens, she was active in the Methodist Women group. She was a member of the Henryetta Football mothers club and enjoyed cheering and supporting The Henryetta Fighting Hens.

She had quite the green thumb, growing beautiful flowers, was a great cook - especially pies and cobblers. She enjoyed reading up to her last days. Janet always wanted to go to college and worked hard so that all three of her children became college graduates.

Preceded in death by her parents, JR and Belle Harkins, husband Eugene VanMeter, brother Thomas Harkins, and sister Jeanie Harkins Polston.

Janet is survived by her children Brent (Patricia) of Oklahoma City, Janna VanMeter of Oklahoma City and Joni VanMeter of Henryetta, Oklahoma, and her constant companion Coco of the home.

Also, brother Don (Leslie) Harkins of Gypsum, Colorado, sisters- in -law, Joyce VanMeter of Henryetta, Oklahoma and Sara Harkins of Austin, Texas. She leaves behind many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Viewing will be held at Integrity Funeral Home on August 7,2024 from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Celebration of Janet's life will be held at Henryetta Methodist Church, August 8,2024 at 10:30 am., under the direction of Integrity Funeral Home. Graveside will follow immediately after the service at West lawn Cemetery in Henryetta.