(Born August 21, 1946 — Passed March 14, 2026)

Janet Gail Grant came into this world on August 21, 1946, in Wasco, California, the daughter of Loran and Merle Grant. She grew up rooted in the Central Valley, that wide-open stretch of California that breeds people of quiet strength, hard work, and deep community ties. From her earliest days, Janet carried the best of her parents with her, putting her family first always, her love for the Lord as her quiet center, and a deep pride for her country.

She grew up in Wasco at a time when a small town truly felt like one, when neighbors knew your name, when the rhythm of the seasons shaped your days, and when community wasn't a word but a way of life. Janet was a product of that place, and she loved it fiercely for the rest of her life.

In time, she became Janet Stephenson, making a life in San Luis Obispo, California. She was devoted as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who created a welcoming home for family and friends; an integral part of the neighborhood community in which she chose to raise her children.

Janet worked for Pacific Bell until its transition out of the central coast, then ran a daycare out of her home, and later worked as a graveyard dispatcher so that she could be home during the day when her children needed her. This allowed her to volunteer in their schools and stay present throughout their lives. She loved Avon, crocheting, cross-stitching, giraffes, baking pumpkin bread, and she never missed a baseball game her son played.

Once her children were raised, she moved back to Wasco, returning to be close to her parents and siblings. She attended Grace Community Church, enjoyed spending time with her classmates from Wasco High School, keeping up with friends through Facebook, volunteering for The Salvation Army, and traveling to visit her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren

On March 14th, Janet passed away in Bakersfield, leaving behind her children; Michael (Regina), Michael (Jodi), Leslie (Cory), Denise (Chad), and Matthew; her grandchildren, Joshua, Taylor (Skyler), Kristen (Roland), Mackenzie, Chance, Joshuah (Mallory), Tucker, Rylee, Madison, Jacob, Simeon, and Samuel; her great-grandchildren, Lilah, Callan, and River; and her siblings, Jill, Loran, and Ray. She was preceded in death by her parents, Loran and Merle Grant.

Janet was born of this valley and belonged to it, and to all of us. The seasons will continue to turn, the fields will keep their steady rhythm, and in that constancy, we will feel her. We carry her love forward with us, grateful for every year, every laugh, every moment she gave us.

A memorial will be held at Grace Community Church on Saturday, April 25th, 2026, at 11am.