Janis Tomlinson

Janis Kay Tomlinson (Lang) of Walton, Kentucky, passed away on March 4, 2026, at the age of 80 after a long battle with cancer. Born on March 22, 1945, in Pitman, New Jersey, she graduated from Pitman High School in 1963 and from Franklin School of Science and Arts in Philadelphia. While working in Philadelphia, she met Ron Tomlinson, who was serving with the US Army. Their connection was immediate, and they married in her hometown of Pitman before making their home in Kentucky. Together they worked at Western Union for nearly a decade before focusing on raising their two children, Matthew and Misty, in a home filled with laughter and love.

A longtime member of the Baptist church in both New Jersey and Kentucky, Janis lived her faith deeply and shared her love of Christ with family and friends. She dedicated many years to the Walton-Verona Independent School District, beginning as a bus aide and driver before serving as an administrative secretary to the Board of Education until her retirement in 2015. She took great pride in her work and cherished the staff and students who became like family to her.

Janis found joy in nature and animals, especially her cats, horses, and the birds she faithfully fed each day. Creative and talented, she loved gardening, sewing beautiful costumes and clothing for her children, and capturing life through photography at family and church gatherings. Her beautiful voice led her to sing in the church choir for many years, where she often led the congregation in worship. She treasured warm summer days by the pool, gatherings with work friends, church friends, and family, and simple traditions such as watching Survivor, working jigsaw puzzles, and celebrating with seafood and steak. Known for her sweet tooth and her fondness for Wendy’s Frostys, she greeted life with a warm smile and a ready laugh.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry F. and Kathryn Lang, and her brother, Harry E. Lang. Janis is survived by her husband of 60 years, Ronald Tomlinson; her children, Matthew A. (Niki) Tomlinson and Misty D. (Chris) Adams; her sister, Lois Wiggins; her mother-in-law, Mattie Webster; and many extended family members and dear friends. Those who loved her will remember her beautiful smile, her joyful spirit, and the kindness she shared so freely.