Janet Kay Bless

Janet Kay Bless had a special way of bringing light, laughter, and joy wherever she went. Born in Topeka, Kansas, in 1946, to Cloise and Edith Gleason, she graduated from Topeka High School in 1964.

In the late 1960s, she married Woody. After a short time in Nebraska, where they had a son, Jon, they moved to California and had a daughter, Lisa. While living in Southern California, Janet was embraced by the Charles family, through whom she later met and married Larry. She welcomed his three boys, David, Mike, and Robert, into her life, and together they had a daughter, Juli, creating a big, loving blended household—she often joked that just keeping the fridge stocked was a full-time job. 

The family later moved to Central California, where Janet’s home became the heart of countless gatherings. She found joy in watching the kids splash in the pool, taking motorhome trips, and spending summer days water skiing. She delighted in hosting themed parties, holiday celebrations, and snow ski trips with family and friends, always making sure her homemade meals brought everyone together. Janet loved to travel, eager to see new places and learn new things. 

Janet shared an unbreakable bond with her one and only brother, Craig, built on a lifetime of shared experiences and laughter. She loved him dearly, and their connection was a source of comfort, joy, and treasured memories throughout their lives. One of their fondest stories was playing together in a band during high school, something they reminisced about often. 

Throughout her life, Janet had a talent for capturing life’s moments through her photography and a love of gardening, finding beauty and joy in both. A talented pianist, she especially enjoyed filling her home with holiday music alongside her family. In the early 1990s, she moved to Oregon, where she embraced the great outdoors—camping, rafting, and road-tripping whenever possible. 

While in Oregon, Janet opened a restaurant with her family, the Backroad Grill, introducing a local freshness to dining that few restaurants offered at the time—some ingredients were even grown by the family themselves. Drawing on her years of experience entertaining and caring for her household, she made every customer feel as if they were joining her at her own kitchen table. Lifelong friendships were created there, and she often teased that no one left without a little extra dessert. During those early restaurant years, Janet welcomed her first grandson, Ethan. She adored him and loved having him grow up there—meeting customers and helping serve as a young boy, moments she treasured.

She had a gift for making everyone laugh, even in the toughest times, and never missed an opportunity to brighten someone’s day. Laughing with others was one of her greatest joys, and she always found a way to bring a smile or share a laugh. Her family and friends meant the world to her, and she always wanted to make sure they felt loved and cared for. 

In writing this, she wanted to encourage her family and friends to spend their time loving each other, sharing memories, and celebrating life, knowing that no words could ever fully capture the richness and accomplishments of her life. 

Janet loved the fall—the vibrant colors, the crisp air, and the river she adored. She wanted everyone to gather in early November at her favorite park along the river, to share time together, enjoy the beauty of the changing leaves, and remember her in their own way. She hoped people would picnic, laugh, and simply be together, honoring the joy she found in nature and in family. The exact date will be confirmed soon. 

She is survived by her brother, her children, her grandchildren, countless family and friends, and her beloved dog Roxy, who carries on Janet’s joyful, loving, and spirited nature. Her favorite days were the blue skies dotted with big, white, puffy clouds, perfect for sunsets. When you see those days, know she’s smiling on everyone she loved.

 Let all your days end with her voice:

“No, I love you more.” – Janet Kay Bless

Please leave a memory of Janet in her Guestbook.