Janet Ann Barnum

Janet Ann Barnum

Sparks, NV - Janet Ann Barnum, age 75, of Sparks, Nevada, passed away on April 11, 2021 of lung cancer.

Janet was born on January 5, 1946 in Carrizozo to Opal Carter Greer and William Randall Greer. She grew up in the town of Nogal, New Mexico, which was surrounded by wilderness, a place of adventure for Janet and her brothers.

At a pep rally in 1960, she met Charles W. Barnum, who knew at that moment he would one day marry her. After graduating as valedictorian from Carrizozo High School, she married Charles in 1967 in Carrizozo and moved to Tucson, Arizona. Janet and Charles went on to have four children.

Janet's joy was loving her children and grandchildren. She served as a room mother, a Cub Scout den mother, a Campfire Girls troop leader, and the master of family adventures. Her driving purpose was supporting her family, encouraging their dreams, and bolstering them during rocky seas. Janet was outrageously strong, carrying others when they couldn't carry themselves. Professionally, she worked at Mt. Shasta Elementary and later Target, where she was a Team Leader.

Janet had a curious and intelligent mind, and she passed her love of reading to her children by filling the house with books that sparked their imaginations. When she wasn't spoiling her grandkids with love and snacks, she could be found at her kitchen counter or her desk, challenging herself with crossword puzzle books or logic-based online games. She rarely lost a game of Words with friends.

Janet was predeceased by her parents, Opal Carter Greer and William Randal Greer, and her brothers, Lewis Cornell Greer, William Randall Greer, Jr. and Everett Lee Greer.

She is survived by her husband, Charles; her children, Michael, Lisa, Russell, and Denise; and her grandchildren, Ryan, Rianna, Elise, Aedan, Noah, Nicholas, Liam, Stephen and Timothy.

Janet and Charles had four children: Michael Edward, Lisa Anne, Russell Glen and Denise Yvonne Hill.

An informal celebration of life was held at on April 13 at Callahan Park Nevada.

Submitted by her Children