Janis H. Whalen

Janis Helene (Reese) Whalen, age 87, passed away on August 2, 2024, in Canal Winchester, Ohio. Born in Columbus, Ohio, on May 27, 1937, she remained a lifelong resident of Franklin County. She devoted her love and energy towards her three children and later on her six grandchildren and eventually her five great grandchildren. 

Jan graduated from Columbus South High School and went on to graduate from Nationwide Beauty Academy. Throughout the years she also attended classes at Capital University, The Ohio State University, as well as CSCC.

Jan was a cherished member of the community, known for her kind, caring, generous, and loving nature. She touched many lives with her warmth and dedication, notably through her extensive career. She held various positions including a fashionista at Sears and Roebuck (where one of her favorite activities included wrangling child runway models for the Winnie the Pooh clothing brand), manager at Tennis East Racquet Club (where she once organized a match with the not yet famous Martina Navratilova), property manager at Kelley and Weiler Co., National Director of Sales at Red Roof Inns, and a personal shopping consultant for Lazarus/Macy’s. Jan also founded her own skin care consulting business, Appearances by Jan, and made history as the first female president of The Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce.  

A devoted worshipper for many years at Brookwood Presbyterian Church, Jan’s faith was a significant aspect of her life. A personal joy included traveling—especially to Sedona, Arizona—due to its beautiful scenery, artistic community, and strong spiritual atmosphere. She rarely traveled alone and usually enjoyed her vacations with the company of one of her children or grandchildren. She also loved watching movies, reading books, and enjoying a desert dry vodka martini, or, in the heat of the summer, a cold beer in a frosted mug. Jan was celebrated for her annual Oscar party, a highlight for her friends and family.

Jan is preceded in death by her parents, William Nixon Reese and Mildred (Tipton) Reese. She is survived by her siblings, Bill (Barbara) Reese, Sherry (Barry) Owens, and Chris (Craig) Deitch; her children, Tracy Jenkins, Wendy (Jerry) Stout, and Joey (Tracy) Whalen; her grandchildren, J.D. Stout, Ronald Stout, Corey (Raven) Leitwein, Jacob (Alicia) Leitwein, Katy Whalen, and Taylor Whalen; and her great-grandchildren, Kayson Milligan, Adrienn Leitwein, Thea Stout, Raelynn Leitwein, and Rory Stout. 

Please try not to mourn Jan, for she lived a long life filled with joy and love and few regrets. She fiercely loved her family and knew they loved her deeply. In the end she was ready to transition to the next chapter of her story and she went peacefully, so celebrate the person that she was and be thankful that she enriched your life.

The family will receive friends beginning at 4 pm until time of Memorial Service at 6 pm on Friday, August 16, at Graumlich Funeral Home, 1351 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43207. To leave an online condolence for the family please visit Jan’s Tribute page at www.graumlichfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the following: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: www.givenow.lls.org/ Bella Care Hospice: www.celebratelife-foundation.net/donate, Alzheimer’s Association: www.alz.org or Alzheimer’s Foundation: www.alzfdn.org