Janet Lee Holton

Janet Lee Holton, 73, of Downing, MO, passed away peacefully on Saturday March 1, 2025, at University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 9, 1951, in Milton, IA to Gerald and Josephine (Kent) House at the family home. Janet lived a life full of love, kindness, and devotion to her family in Southeast Iowa and Northeast Missouri.

Janet married the love of her life, Herman Holton, on August 4, 1978, in Kirksville, MO. They were united in marriage at the home of Lottie Morgan, Herman’s grandmother. The greatest accomplishment of their marriage was their three children: Rhonda, Joseph (Jody), and Tyra. 

Janet was a cherished wife, a devoted mother, a beloved grandmother, and a proud great-grandmother. She dedicated her life to nurturing and caring for those she loved, always offering warmth, wisdom, unconditional support, and her opinions. Her presence brought excitement to every gathering, and her love knew no bounds.

She is survived by her loving husband, Herman Holton; her children, Rhonda Short (Curtis), Joseph (Jody) Holton (Angela), and Tyra (Ty Lynn) Bartels (Robert); her 10 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; Siblings Billy (Colleen) House, Sandra (Jerry) Reese, In-Laws Gene (Cindy) Holton, Roy (Doreen) Holton, Harold Holton, Paul (Wanda) Holton, James (Carlotta) Holton, Alvin (Kristy) Holton, and Leo (Rachael) Holton; and her special pets Molly and Tippy. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Gerald and Josephine, Herman’s parents Robert and Tyra (Morgan) Holton; and siblings Junior (Mary) House, Carolyn (Vincent) Kelly, and Robert (Bobbie) House.

Janet found joy in shopping, getting her nails done (Janet was known as “The Queen” at the nail salon), getting her hair done, sampling wines, and spending time with her family and beloved pets. Whether it was shopping trips, getting her hair or nails done, or any adventures, she left memories of laughter, and her thoughts were always known. 

She touched the lives of many with her generosity and grace. Janet worked for many years at Fox Valley Schools in the cafeteria. When Janet was working at the school no child left hungry. Her love for children extends far beyond her own children, grandchildren, or great grandchildren.