Obituaries

Janis Kay Tomlinson (Lang) of Walton, KY, passed away on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 at the age of 80 after a long battle with cancer.

Born March 22, 1945, in Pitman, New Jersey, Janis graduated from Pitman High School in 1963 and graduated from Franklin School of Science and Arts in Philadelphia. While working in Philadelphia, Janis met Ron, who was there with the US Army. It took less than a few months for Ron to know that he had met the love of his life. They married in her hometown of Pitman, NJ and moved to KY. They both worked at Western Union for nearly a decade together prior to building a life full of laughter and love while they raised their two children, Matthew and Misty.

Janis was a long time member of the Baptist church, both in her hometown and in KY. Her faith and love for Jesus was a very big part of her life. She always spoke of how grateful she was to be able to share that love of Christ with her family and friends.

Professionally, Janis dedicated many years to the Walton-Verona Independent School District. Janis began working for WV Schools as a bus aide and later as a bus driver. She then worked as an administrative secretary to the Board of Education until her retirement in 2015. She was deeply proud of the work she did there and of the staff and students she shared it with, who became like family to her.

Janis was drawn to nature and to animals; especially her pet cats, horses, and the many birds she faithfully fed at her backyard feeders. She had a creative spirit, loved gardening and was a master at sewing, often making exquisite costumes and clothing for her kids. Janis enjoyed photography and was usually found with her camera in hand at all of the family and church functions. Her love of music and singing led her to be a longtime member of the choir at her church and often leading the congregation in songs of worship.

Summer was her favorite season, and she relished warm days spent lounging by the pool with her family and friends. She loved gathering with the people she cared about—her work friends, church friends, and family. She also had a few beloved traditions: watching her favorite TV show, Survivor, doing jigsaw puzzles, and celebrating events with seafood and steak. Those who knew her well, often teased her about her love for Wendy’s Frostys—a treat she never turned down, as she was famous for her sweet tooth.

Her family hopes that when people think of Janis, they will remember her beautiful smile, hear her laugh, and perhaps share a story that makes them laugh too—just the way she would have wanted. She leaves behind a lifetime of laughter, kindness, and joyful memories. The best way to honor Janis is simple: share a laugh, enjoy something sweet, and think of her.

Janis is preceded by her parents; Harry F. (Kathryn) Lang and her brother; Harry E. (Joyce) Lang.

Left to keep her memory is her husband of 60 years; Ronald Tomlinson, her children; Matthew A. (Niki) Tomlinson and Misty D. (Chris) Adams, sister; Lois Wiggins, mother-in-law; Mattie Webster, many extended family members, and even more friends.

Please join us at a visitation to be held on Saturday, March 21st beginning at 1:00pm until the start of the service at 3:00pm, followed by a reception with refreshments. All services will be held at Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home, 11382 Madison Pike, Independence, KY 41051.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to: First Baptist Church Covington, 14 Brent Spence Sq., Covington, KY 41011, or to: NAYM/Rock Ministries, P.O. Box 12291 Glendale, AZ 85318 Attn: Robin and Faith Jelle.