Janet A. Thompson

All who knew Janet Thompson would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She was never one to worry about the little things; rather, her focus was continually on enjoying each new day that came her way. Blessed to share most of her life with her true love, Janet cherished every moment she had to share with her loved ones. Although she accomplished so many things of which to be proud, it was her family that grew to include children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that was her greatest source of pride and joy. Life will never be the same without Janet here, but she leaves behind a timeless legacy that her loved ones will proudly carry on in her footsteps.

During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as WWII raged on. With the wars end in 1945, America no longer had to deal with rationing on common goods while manufacturing was no longer focused on supporting the war effort. It was just as the 1940s were coming to an end that William and Wilma Warren were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as January of 1949 unfolded. The big day finally arrived on January 3rd when the baby girl they named Janet A. drew her first breath in Warsaw, Indiana. She was the younger of two Warren children as she was raised in the family home alongside her older brother, William Bill. Janet was an active young girl who was involved in various school plays and also in the Warsaw High School cheer block. She went on to graduate in 1967.

Not to be forgotten during her years in high school was Janets introduction to the man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Rick Thompson, and they began dating in high school and became high school sweethearts. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together the sweethearts were married on April 26, 1969, at Warsaw United Methodist Church where Janet had been attending since she was young. The newlyweds honeymooned in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and then they put down roots in Warsaw. There, they welcomed three girls including Dawn, Laurie, and Mistie into their hearts and home. After eight years there, the family moved to Pierceton and then onto South Whitley.

In addition to being an amazing wife and mother, Janet worked outside the home as well. Her working days started before she was married when she worked at Zimmers in Warsaw. In the 1970s Janet helped her husband run The Timeout Inn in Warsaw. Later on, she spent 15 years working for the Whitko school system, earning her paraprofessional title to help out with the children. Janet also filled in as a substitute teacher at times. During this time she also worked at Key Pharmacy in South Whitley. After the pharmacy was destroyed by a fire, Janet worked at Hipp Drugstore for over 15 years altogether until as recently as this past July. She also earned her real estate license and helped her husband with his realty office, Thompson Realty Service. Janet also operated a tanning business, Accent Tanning, from her home beginning in 1991 until 1998. Within her community, she also served as the PTO president while her children were attending Pierceton Elementary School.

Although she certainly worked hard, Janet also enjoyed traveling and having a good time, usually with her loved ones. While her children were growing up they took many trips down to Florida and visited Disney World, the Daytona Beach area, and the Panama City Beach area as well. They also visited the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, and Cancun where they climbed the Mayan ruins. In addition, they visited Niagara Falls on both on the United States and the Canadian sides, and in celebration of their 36th anniversary they took a vacation to Hawaii. As avid Elvis fans, Janet and her husband also visited Graceland. These were a few places that she enjoyed spending time with her family, but out of all the places Janet visited, Mackinac Island was one of her most favorite places. She loved seeing the Mackinaw Bridge, and she and Rick were known to take weekend trips up to Michigan just to sit on the beach and overlook the water. As much as she liked to look at the water, she was not one to actually swim as it was a rare occasion when you would even see Janet in a pool with four feet of water! She enjoyed visiting antique malls to collect Pepsi memorabilia, angels, and lighthouses as she always enjoyed finding lighthouses to visit while on vacation.

With her warm, genuine, and compassionate personality, Janet Thompson was a blessing to everyone she met. She was social and outgoing with a willingness to help others that was easy to see. Janet had a way of making others feel comfortable, and she sounded like the professional when she spoke. She gave the best hugs, was quick to give a compliment, and everyone always appreciated her for her amazing listening skills. Janet savored every moment she had to spend with her family, and she was one proud grandma if ever there was one. Deeply loved, she will be forever missed.

Janet A Thompson, of South Whitley, Indiana, passed away at 1:20 p.m. Friday, December 23, 2016, at her home surrounded by family. Janets family includes her husband of 47 years, Rick Thompson; daughters, Dawn (David) Wilkinson, Laurie (Brian) Cox and Mistie (David) Potts, all of South Whitley; brother, William Bill (Molly) Warren, of Leesburg; 13 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Janet was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation is from 1-3 and 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with Chaplin Karen Kosberg officiating. Burial will follow at South Whitley Cemetery. Memorials may be given in her memory to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana. To send Janets family condolences, visit www.demoneygrimes.com .