Phyllis Janke

Phyllis Smith Janke was born January 17, 1920 to Maurice Cooper and Elijah Clyde Smith in Cisco, TX. She departed this world June 6, 2017 in Redding, CA. Her first grandson, William David Stout, named her "Daummie" and for the rest of her life she was called that by family and friends.

A graduate of Merkel High School, she attended Tarleton College in Stephenville, TX. A trip to Chicago, IL to visit her aunt and uncle was a high school graduation present. While there she met her future husband, Albert Elmer Janke. They were married April 7, 1940 in Odessa, TX. Although Odessa was their main residence, life took them to other cities: Chicago, IL; Carlsbad, NM; Colorado City, TX; and Abilene, TX. Janice Janke Mayer was born in Odessa. Barbara Janke Smith was born in Chicago. Albert Clyde Janke was born in Odessa.

Phyllis' entire working career was in Odessa with American National Insurance where she was manager/bookkeeper. After Albert's death, Phyllis remained active in First Baptist Church, genealogical and historical organizations and continued enjoying time with her devoted family and friends. She eventually moved to Corpus Christi, TX to be near her daughter, Barbara, and her grandchildren. At age 87 her new adventures took her to Redding, CA to live with daughter, Janice. Multiple trips to Texas and Washington State to visit her children and grandchildren were some of the highlights of her later years.

Due to her diligent genealogical research, she was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution, United Daughters of the Confederacy, Daughters of the American Colonists, Texas First Families, Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the National Society of Colonial Dames XII Century. She and Janice were working to complete their application for Jamestown Society and the National Society Magna Carta Dames and Barons. Recently the discovery of a second cousin in Oregon was motivation for another planned trip to share family research.

Phyllis Smith Janke is preceded in death by her husband, Albert E. Janke in 1991. She is survived by Janice of Redding, CA; Barbara of Hewitt, TX; Albert (Dianna) of Burbank, WA. She leaves behind five grandsons who will serve as pall bearers: William D. Stout of Corpus Christi, TX; Jimmy D. Stout of Corpus Christi, TX; Wesley D. Stout of Weatherford, TX; Jacob R. Mayer of Idaho Falls, ID and Ethan E. Janke of Burbank, WA. She is also survived by her only granddaughter, Jennifer Janke Wangler of Nampa, ID, 11 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, June 16, 2017, at 10:00 AM at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Odessa, TX. Pastoral service will be offered by her granddaughter's husband, Tim Wangler. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements are entrusted to Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home. To send family condolences please sign her guestbook at www.sunsetodessa.com.

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