Janet Marie (Lapp) Fender was born on January 27, 1932, and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother; the steady heart of her family, leaving behind a legacy of love that will endure for generations. Janet passed away in her home on January 8, 2026 surrounded by her family and loved ones.

On September 3, 1950, Janet married the love of her life, Dennis Earl Fender. Together they built a life on shared values, and deep devotion to one another, their family, and the land they called home for more than 75 years. Janet was a partner in the Fender family farm and business, supporting Dennis as they raised their children and helped establish Fender’s Fish Hatchery in 1956, which remains family-run farm today.

Janet was a longtime member of the United Church of Christ in New Bedford, where she lived her beliefs through kindness, service, and compassion. She was known for her warmth, gentle spirit, and her ability to make everyone feel welcome. She joyfully taught Sunday School, helped with the Christmas pageant, and shared her love of quilting with the Women’s Guild as they spent many hours quilting together.

Above all, Janet cherished her family and took great pride in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Her home was a place of making great memories, comfort, tradition, and unconditional love.

Janet is preceded in death by her mother, Blanche Lapp Foster, husband, Dennis Earl Fender; son-in-law John Scherer; grandson Christopher Scherer; and great-grandson Wesley Adam Robb; siblings, Lewis Foster, James Foster, Irene McNichols, Frances Erman; Brothers-in-law, Patrick McNichols, Jack McNeal, Joseph Erman, and James Crouso; Nieces and nephews, Annette Erman, David McNichols, and Jeffrey Crouso.

She is survived by her children; Cheryl (late John) Scherer, William (Terri) Fender, Jan Fender, and Steven (Veronica) Fender;  siblings, Mary Crouso, Barbara McNeal, Harold (Brenda) Foster;  sisters-in-law, Alice Foster, and Ruth Foster.

Her greatest joy was her grandchildren: Stephanie (Mark) Lorenz, Jason (Deana) Scherer, Sara (Steve) Sargent, Trace (Molly) Fender, Brooke (Levi) Hamilton, Joey (Carmen) Hall, Jenna Beth Schwartz, Dennis (Chasta) Fender, Betsy (Adam) Robb, and Emily (Josh) Newman; and her great-grandchildren; Nick and Joel Lorenz; Brodie (Ashlynd) Scherer, Brendan (Tamera) Scherer, Piper Scherer; Doyle and Porter Sargent; Sally, Ruby, and Miles  Fender; Daphne, Hirsh, and Glenn Hamilton; Ember and Lemuel Newman; Sullivan and Winona Robb; and Lucas and Marianne Hall; Hayden, Gresyn, Hunter, Garrett, Harley Fender; and her great-great grandchildren; Oliver, Theo, and Hudson Scherer.

Janet’s legacy lives on in the countless ways she loved-through the family farm she cherished, the places she and her husband traveled, the family moments she captured through her camera, and the quilts she lovingly created. Family gatherings, especially Easter and Christmas, were dear to her heart. She will be remembered for her thoughtful phone calls to her grandchildren just to check in, and for the joy she found in flowers, gardening, and the beauty all around her.

In lieu of flowers, the family request's that contributions be made in Janet's memory to Sacred Ground (school for the handicapped) P.O. Box 321 Mt. Eaton, OH 44659 or at info@sacredground.org.

Services for Janet will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at the Living Springs Church, formerly Zion United Church of Christ, in New Bedford with Pastor Kathleen Walkerow officiating.  Burial will follow in Zion Hill cemetery.  Friends may call at the church from 10 am to 12pm, two hours prior to the service.

Smith-Varns Funeral Home in Sugarcreek is assisting the family with arrangements.