Janet Hansaker

JANET EILEEN (THOMAS) HANSAKER, 84, peacefully went to her eternal home surrounded by her family, at Mountain View Regional Medical Center on December 15, 2017. She was born in Lima, Ohio, on September 10, 1933, to Jesse and Thelma Thomas. After attending Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Janet returned home to Lima and married John (Jack) Edward Hansaker. While raising their three children, Janet also enjoyed working in a variety of occupations. She ran a pre-school out of her home, worked as a secretary, a school lunch monitor and a teacher's aide for Shawnee School District in Lima, Ohio. In addition to creating lasting friendships with her colleagues, Janet also found fulfillment through volunteer work with the Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and church outreach programs. Janet was also active in the Trinity Chapter #16 Order of the Eastern Star in Lima, Ohio, where she was honored to serve as Worthy Matron. In 1978, Janet and Jack, along with their children and her parents, moved to Las Cruces, NM to begin a new chapter in their lives. In addition to caring for her aging parents, Janet pursued creative hobbies. She took private lessons in porcelain painting and created southwest designs on denim. She devoted herself to her new church family and took an active role in local outreach activities. Following the death of her beloved husband, Janet joined the Memorial Medical Center Auxiliary, where she volunteered in the hospital gift shop, created floral centerpieces and tray favors, and participated in events with the group. On numerous trips to Gallup, NM to visit her dear sister Marilyn Hathaway, Janet was introduced to P.E.O International. Later, as a member of Chapter BV in Las Cruces, she made new friends and enjoyed a variety of group activities. Janet was devoted to her family, and considered her precious dachshunds a constant source of love and companionship. Janet is survived and will be truly missed by her two daughters, Jane Eileen Gurnea (Dennis) and Debra Mae Smith (Rusty), and four granddaughters, Danielle and Ashley Gurnea, Rebecca and Jessica Smith, all of Las Cruces. She is also survived by her sister Marilyn Jane Hathaway (James) of Gallup, NM and brother James Edward Thomas (Sharon) of New York. Janet is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and close family friends who will deeply miss her. Janet is preceded in death by her son, Thomas Edward Hansaker, her loving husband John Edward Hansaker, and her parents Jesse Carlin and Thelma Mae Thomas. The family wishes to express our deep gratitude and appreciation to all the nurses, doctors, and medical staff of Las Cruces, for their kind, generous and professional care of Janet. You are truly angels on earth. A memorial service in celebration of Janet's life will be held on December 21 at 1:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Boutz. Las Cruces, NM, with the Dr. Reverend Norm Story officiating. In lieu of flowers, Janet's family suggests donations to Casa de Peregrinos emergency food pantry, or Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary in Las Cruces, NM. Service Information
Thursday, December 21, 2017 1:00pm,
First Presbytarian Church

200 E. Boutz
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88005