Sept. 6, 1931 - Jan. 27, 2018

McCOOK, Neb. — Janet L. Fletcher, 86, passed away on Jan. 27, 2018, at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook.

Janet was born on Sept. 6, 1931, in Mason City, Iowa, to Eugene and Gladys (Miller) Daley. She moved to McCook as a young girl and spent the majority of her life in a town she loved.

On April 15, 1950, she married the true love of her life, Howard Fletcher. To this union three children were born: Judy, Mark and Leigh. The couple raised their family and made their home in McCook. A great lover of nature, Janet encouraged her children to spend time outdoors and the family could often be found by a campfire or sailing on area lakes.

After Howard’s retirement from BNSF Railway, they moved to Port Mansfield, Texas. There, Janet enjoyed life on the Gulf of Mexico and spent many hours searching the beach for treasures such as sea glass and shells. She joined Howard on many seafaring adventures including fishing/sailing trips to the San Juan Islands and the Sea of Cortez.

In 2000 Janet lost Howard to a difficult battle with cancer. During his illness, she was his fiercest protector. She wrapped her heart around those she cherished in a loving embrace that never wavered.

Always up for fun and new adventures, she accompanied friends and family on many trips, including a Shania Twain concert where she stood – singing and dancing – for the entire show. She loved playing bridge and the women in her group. They spent many hours laughing and enjoying the competition and camaraderie.

Janet didn’t know a stranger. Her home was always warm and inviting, especially when she cooked or baked the wonderful food everyone came to expect. Janet was a vibrant and caring person who generously gave back to her community.

One of her passions was restoring and reopening the historic Carnegie Library. “There are lots and lots of yummy old books,” she said in a 2005 McCook Gazette interview on the project. She was a member of the High Plains Historical Society, serving on the Board of Directors; organized community holiday meals; was instrumental in developing McCook’s cemetery directory and volunteered at The Food Pantry for almost 20 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Howard; son-in-law, Richard Meisenbach and great-grandson, Jake Meisenbach.

Janet is survived by her children, Judy (Jack) Tuttle; Mark (Glenda) Fletcher; Leigh (Patrick) Farrell; sister, Patty Graff-Price; grandchildren, Corey (Lenora) Meisenbach; Matt (Sonia) Meisenbach; Katie (Chad) Graham; Jade (Bill) Lesko; Ryan, Paul and Christian (Katie) Farrell; 10 great-grandchildren and many friends who were like family.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018, at McCook Christian Church with the Rev.Clark Bates officiating. Interment will be held after the service at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be given in her name. Friends may sign her book during business hours at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel. Herrmann-Jones Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.