Janet Kay Foley, age 88 of Morristown, TN, passed away on January 24, 2023 at Erwin Health Care Center. Her life's quote was, “My spiritual bag is packed”, knowing that when she left this earth she would run into the arms of Jesus. Despite struggling with vascular dementia, Janet never lost her love for people, greeting everyone with her infectious smile. She touched both staff and residents at Erwin, where she was known as “Miss Sunshine.” God used her to be a blessing to so many!
Janet was born in Bluffton, Ohio on August 16, 1934 to William and Rhoda Althaus. She was married to Donald F. Gratz for 38 years, who preceded her in death in 1995. They raised three daughters: Karla Grills of Morristown, TN; Tana (Brent) Fortney of Huntington, IN; and Rhonda (Brad) Pidgeon of Lexington, OH.
Janet married Sherman R. Foley in 2000, who preceded her in death in August 2019. Step children include Steve (Sandy) Foley of Avon, IN; Randy Foley of Cincinnati, OH; and Melinda (Jeff) Zeigler of Sugar Hill, GA. Step-children Shirley and Greg preceded her in death. Janet is survived by 8 grandchildren, 10 step-grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 11 step-great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her son-in-law Craig Grills, her sisters Ferol Fett and Treva Stratton and a sister-in-law, Carolyn Farinola.
Janet worked in the insurance industry for many years. But her true passion was music! Throughout her life she directed many church and community choirs in Ohio and Sun City Center FL. She was a vocalist and sang many solos and was involved in various choirs. She was also a church organist and pianist and gave multiple piano lessons. She and Sherman enjoyed volunteering at Nearly New (also known as The Hat Lady) and Tampa Performing Arts. A big highlight of her life was rambunctiously cheering on her grandchildren at their sporting events. However, her grandchildren LOVED her infamous backrubs!!!
A celebration of Janet’s life will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at Waite and Son Funeral Home Medina Chapel, Medina OH. Visitation will be at 10 am followed by a service at 11 am. Memorials may be given in honor of Janet to First Baptist Church of Sparta, 1222 Sparta Pike Moores Hill, IN 47032.
