Janis Elaine Stover

Janis Elaine (Lantz) Stover, 84, of New Philadelphia, passed away Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio after a year-long battle with cancer.

Born August 1, 1941, in the small Mennonite town of Berne, Indiana, she was the daughter of the late Dale and Elaine (Baumgartner) Lantz. Janis graduated from Berne High School in 1959 and Bluffton College in 1963, majoring in education and minoring in psychology. A member of the a cappella choir, she spent one unforgettable summer touring Europe with the group.

While at Bluffton, Janis met Larry Stover, a fellow choir member and football player with striking blue eyes. They married August 1, 1964, at First Mennonite Church in Berne and shared 45 years of marriage until Larry’s passing in 2010. Together they raised three children.

Janis devoted her career to teaching and her passion for music. She began as an elementary teacher in Berne, later becoming a beloved elementary music teacher in the Garaway School District and was often seen carrying her recorders, drums, autoharps, and trusty Bose radio between schools.

For more than 60 years, Janis served as a church organist, most recently at First Presbyterian Church of New Philadelphia, where she joyfully played until shortly before her passing. Her little organ shoes are likely still tucked behind the bench.

An active member of her community, Janis belonged to the Tuscarawas Music Club, College Club, Friends of the Library, and the YMCA. She cherished lunches with her “Wicked Widows,” line dancing at the Senior Center, and traveling the world. She sang with the Tuscarawas Philharmonic Choir and supported the Little Theater, Performing Arts Center, and summer concerts at Tuscarawas Park. A lifelong sports fan, she faithfully cheered on the Browns, Cavaliers, and Guardians.

She will be deeply missed by her children and their families: Michael (Nicole) Stover of Monclova, Ohio, and their children Cassondra (Brian), Aaron (Caitlin), and Lila; Matthew (Jody) Stover of La Porte, Indiana, and their children Miranda (Tucker) Fiebing, Devin (Kristin) Stover, and Jenae (Christian) Stover; Melissa (Timothy) O’Boyle of Carrollton, Virginia, and their children Liam, Brendan, and Norah.

She also leaves behind five great-grandchildren—Alivia, Ava, Conrad, Lucas, and Beatrice—her sister Virginia (Sherm) Lichtenberger, brother Richard (Deb) Lantz, many nieces and nephews, her extended Stover family, and beloved neighbors and friends (especially Lexi Hughes).

Visitation will be held at Geib Funeral Home & Crematory, New Philadelphia, on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. Reverend Joseph Svancara will lead a memorial service at First Presbyterian Church, New Philadelphia, on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM.

Following the service, guests are invited to the Geib Family Center for a meal and fellowship. Memorial contributions in Janis’s name may be directed to The Performing Arts Center, 330 University Drive NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.