Janette Elizabeth (Harrington) Higdon

When you walked into Janette Elizabeth Harrington Higdon’s home, you might hear blaring from the radio the song lyrics of “Jesus, he’s my friend. He took me by the hand. Led me far from this land. Jesus is just alright” by the Doobie Brothers, or “I dreamed a dream in time gone by, When hope was high and life worth living, I dreamed that love would never die, I dreamed that God would be forgiving” from Les Misérables. She loved music (especially operas like Madame Butterfly), cats, crafts, nonfiction books, and her family. She got hooked on tattoos at the young age of 90 ending up with 13 on her arm – all images representing parts of her life, memories, and creative mind.

On February 17, 2023, this unique and loving woman passed from this life to her eternal life with her husband and other family members. She was a 96-year young woman who showed her strength and love for life to the end.

Janette was born to her late parents, Roy and Gladys (Keyser) Harrington, on October 19, 1926, in Medina, Ohio. Janette graduated from Medina High School where she had grown up and met her future husband, the late Richard “Dick” Higdon. They were married for 49 years until Dick passed in 1995.

Having grown up during the Great Depression and World War II, she was frugal and no-nonsense. During the war, Janette worked at the A.I. Root Candle Company in Medina until Dick returned from the Pacific Theater and they married. Janette was a talented and creative artist and homemaker; she began selling her homemade craft items at local bazaars and farmers’ markets in the 1980s. For many years, she participated in local craft bazaars - her burlap wreaths and other homemade items were a big hit for many in the area. 

Every Wednesday, from 1970 until 2010, you would find her at Good Samaritan Hospital volunteering; she took care of organizing and distributing magazines in the waiting rooms. She also helped with floral delivery and welcoming visitors into the facility. 

After her husband died in 1995, she became an independent woman living on her own and making new friends with other senior citizens at lunch gatherings and bus trips with groups from South Zanesville and later at the James Singer Center. 

The last 13 years of her life have been spent in skilled nursing facilities; she missed her independence, the home that she and Dick had purchased in 1956, and all of the cats who shared the home. Though her physical health issues slowed her down and sometimes caused her pain, her spirit was always strong and her determination to live as long as she could surrounded by her children was what took her through every day. Her mind was sharp, and she kept her mind active by reading books – sometimes one a day. She bravely had cataract surgery, so that she could read even more. She has read thousands of books, sometimes rereading books that she had enjoyed in the past. She always loved nonfiction books especially those about celebrities with interesting lives. In addition, she also enjoyed Ohio State football games, and reality TV shows such as “Naked and Afraid” and “Dr. Pimple Popper.” 

She shared that her most wonderful achievement was having nine children who loved her deeply. She will be greatly missed by her nine children: David (Gaylin) Higdon, Pamela (Jabie) Conrad, Michele “Shelly” Higdon, Richard “Rick” (Jodi) Higdon, and Larisa “Lari” (Aaron) Harper of Zanesville; Janine “Nini” (Wayne) King of Joliet, Il.; Barbara (Keith) Wolfe of Hopewell; Julia (Dan) Ardrey of Nashport; and Todd (Kathy) Higdon of Westerville. She also is survived by nineteen grandchildren: Jennifer (Chris) Chacey, Joe (Julie) Higdon, Samantha Balo, Tyler Conrad, Beth (Angie) Dodson, Judd (Cara) Dodson, Stacey (David) Everson, Kelsey King, Kyle (Hillary) Higdon, Kara (Ryan) Thayer, Kurt (Mallory) Wolfe, Julie Wolfe, Claire Ardrey, Sarah (Robert) Spillman, Jared Higdon, Calvin (Alexandra) Higdon, A.J. Harper, Cassie Harper, and Jordee Harper. She is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren: Justin Chacey, Max Higdon, Annabelle Higdon, Penelope Higdon, Jacobie Balo, Josie Balo, Drake Dodson, Kinley Dodson, Bronwyn Higdon, Ramona Higdon, Augustus Higdon, Reagan Thayer, Rexton Thayer, Melaney Ellis, and Makenna Ellis.

Janette has requested memorial donations for the Animal Shelter Society, Inc., of Zanesville, specifically for cat care.

Friends and family may call from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at the William Thompson and Son Funeral Home in White Cottage. Funeral services and a celebration of Janette’s life will be held at 12 p.m. that day at the funeral home with Pastor Joy Wigal officiating. Burial will follow at Rosehill Cemetery in Roseville.

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