Janet Kay Allenbaugh, 81, of Ashland, Ohio passed away peacefully at Brethren Care Village the morning of 12/25/2024. “Jan,” as she preferred to be called, was known most for her kind, gracious heart. It was the little acts of kindness shared with her that meant the most to her. She was always willing to listen, whether in person or over the phone. She was attentive, making inquiries and expressing sincere interest and encouragement.
Jan was born in Ashland on February 2, 1943 to Lyle and Helen DuBois. She shared many fond memories of her childhood years, growing up with her siblings, Joan (Howell) and Robert (DuBois). Visiting her grandmother at the Lake and sneaking off to Cedar Point was a highlight. Jan was an active member of Youth for Christ. She graduated from Ashland High School in 1961.
Jan was a secretary at Hess & Clark, where she met her husband, Richard (Rich), at the research farm on Route 250, Ashland. They had their first date in February of 1969; they were engaged by April and married on June 19 of that year. They celebrated 34 years of marriage before Rich’s passing on September 27, 2003. Their twins, Tamara and Timothy, were born September 11, 1973. Jan was a stay at home mom and very committed to that role. Jan and Rich were the best of friends, choosing to spend their free time together. They enjoyed sightseeing, dining out, dropping in on loved ones, watching movies at their home, and listening to a variety of music. They hosted family get-togethers each year, which often involved card playing. Their favorite vacation destination Rich’s latter years was Chincoteague, Virginia where they would relax at the Assateague Island National Wildlife Refuge. They embraced any opportunity they had to see their young grandsons. After Rich’s passing, Jan continued to welcome opportunities to visit with her children and grandchildren.
Jan leaves behind her children, Tamara Cole (Ashland) and Timothy (Tralafaye) Allenbaugh of Grand Rapids, Michigan. She also leaves behind her grandchildren respectively, Cameron (Adrianna) Cole of Mansfield, Ohio and Autumn Cole of Ashland, in addition to Austin and Sophia Allenbaugh (Greenville, Michigan). She was blessed with a great grandchild in 2022, Hudson Cole (Mansfield). With her son’s recent marriage, she gained two more grandchildren (Alannah and Lynnzeigh) and a great grandchild (Willow). In addition, Janet leaves behind her sister, Joan Howell and her sister in law, Judy DuBois (both of Ashland) as well as Rich’s brother and wife, Mike and Mary Allenbaugh (Clarksville, Tennessee) and several nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her brother, Robert, in addition to her parents and husband. Jan considered her best friend to be Pattie Barone (Polk, Ohio); she treasured their conversations and Patti’s steadfast love and prayers.
Jan moved to Belmont Tower at Brethren Care Village February 14, 2022. Although it was hard to leave her home of over 40 years, she recognized her need for more support for her daily needs. Jan did not consider herself social, yet she easily made friends. She enjoyed her dining “mates” as she called them, and she connected with many of the staff and residents there. She enjoyed attending various activities, including the church service on Sunday afternoons. She especially appreciated visits from their Chaplain, Dean Pierce, and his empathy, encouragement, and prayer. Jan’s latter days were spent in Hospice Care at the Brethren Care Village Nursing Center, where she received compassionate care from the staff.
Jan’s faith in Christ was of utmost importance to her. She was a member of Ashland Grace (formerly Grace Brethren Church) for many years, attending the Skylighters Adult Bible Fellowship class. Although Jan was unable to attend church or other community functions the latter years of her life due to various health issues, she remained strong in her faith. Pastor Dan Jackson and other Ashland Grace members visited her on many an occasion to offer their encouragement and prayer. Jan often said, “I’m praying for you” and she meant it; she prayed for her children and grandchildren daily and for anyone else brought to her attention. When facing serious medical situations over the years, Jan stated she was not afraid because she knew that she would be with Jesus when she passed. She found comfort from hymns such as “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be” and Bible verses such as “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” (Psalm 56:3) One of her favorite inspirational stories was “Footprints in the Sand”; the concluding line from that story being, “He whispered, ‘My precious child, I love you and will never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.’”
Funeral services will be held at the Heyl Funeral Home on Saturday January 4, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. with Chaplain Dean Pierce, Pastor Dan Allen and Zach Watson officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 am till 12:00 pm at the funeral home on the day of the service. Burial will follow the funeral service at the Ashland Cemetery.
Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.heylfuneralhome.com
Heyl Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements
Funeral Home: Heyl Funeral Home
Website: .heylfuneralhome.com