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Janet Widdows Obituary
Janet Lee Widdows, 87, of Howard, OH, passed away July 10, 2023, at Knox Community Hospital, in Mount Vernon OH.
Janet was born June 21st, 1936, in Sioux City, Iowa to Leo and Alfreda {Hawkins} Varilek. She graduated from Central High School in Sioux City. She later majored in Education at the University of South Dakota and Morningside College. She then taught for four years in Lawton, Iowa. She was a member of the Eastview United Methodist Church, the Columbus Area Military Officers and Wives Club, Beaux Arts, the Auxiliary of the Columbus Museum of Arts, the Reserve Officers Association League, and S.C.O.R.
She was a stay-at-home mother after moving from Fort Worth, Texas to Montgomery, Alabama to Anderson AF. Base, then to Columbus, Ohio. The family traveled in their motorhome throughout the United States for years.
In retirement she enjoyed many trips throughout Europe, Greece, Africa, Egypt, Australia, India, and China. She especially cherished her summer vacations with her family to their timeshares in many special places. She moved into Apple Valley in Howard, OH to be closer to her family.
Janet will be deeply missed by her daughter Nancy (Chad) Forster, grandson Caden Forster, as well as Tony Reali and Julie Martin.
Janet was preceded in death by her infant daughter Linda Lee Widdows and her former husband. Col. William “Bill” D Widdows and her parents.
Friends may call Friday July 14th from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home-Mount Vernon Chapel, followed by a memorial service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens. Online tributes may be made at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Fund, Inc. 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
People and places connected with Janet
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Joy Zimpfer
July 14, 2023
Nancy sorry to hear of your Mom´s passing! She certainly was a nice lady. Bob and I enjoyed going to dances with them.
Nancy Tapocsi
July 13, 2023
I just recently met Jan at the Apple Valley book club. She was so sweet and kind and a gracious hostess. Jan led an interesting life from teaching in a one room school house to traveling to exotic places. I am so very sad to hear of her passing. Sincerely, Nancy Tapocsi
Sue Caudill
July 13, 2023
I got to know Jan through Apple Core and Red Hats. She was always so much fun to have at our activities. She was at my house when we made the glass trees, and she so enjoyed here time at the winery with us. Jan always had a smile and was a beautiful lady. She will be missed in our activities.
Susan Boeh
July 13, 2023
It was a blessing to get to know Jan through Apple Core, Apple Valley Garden Club and Serendipity Bible Study. She will be missed. Offering prayers for peace and comfort for her family at this time of loss.
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Barbara Bentz
July 12, 2023
I knew Jan from her involvement in Apple Valley Garden Club and Apple Core. You could always count on her happy nature and wonderful smile. I am so sorry for your loss. Jan will be sorely missed.
Barbara Bentz
Cheryl Feasel-AV Apple Core friend
July 12, 2023
I loved this lady. I met Jan through Apple Core. She always had a warm smile that would radiate the room. I will miss this lovely lady
Sharon D Hallowes
July 11, 2023
Nancy, I am very sorry to hear this sad news.
Our last phone conversation was such a good one.
I am so glad that our mom was my friend.
She taught me how to do the electric slide.
We played bridge together.
She and I traveled to Egypt and Jordan together.
She was the only person who tried to fix me up with a new man after my divorce.
I know I will think of many other things.
I have been in Columbus, GA for over 11 years now. I have only seen her a few times in that time.
I have enjoyed her Christmas cards and newsletters.
She loved her family so much!
I will miss her! I will do something special for someone,
in her honor!
Love,
Sharon Hallowes
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