November 10, 1944 - October 20, 2025
Janis K. Tanabe entered Heaven peacefully on October 20, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was born on November 10, 1944 in Lodi, CA. She attended Live Oak Elementary School and graduated from Lodi High School in 1962. She went on to take classes at San Joaquin Delta College after high school. Janis met Tom Tanabe, the love of her life, in 1961 at Marvel’s Food Store in Lodi while shopping. They married on July 18,1964, celebrating their 61st Wedding Anniversary this past summer. Janis enjoyed many trips with her husband Tom. Her favorites were beautiful Alaskan Cruises and the tropical islands of Hawaii. Janis was an active member at Lifeline Church Lodi (formally known as Faith Fellowship Church) for over 40 years and most recently attended Vintage Church. She devoted her life to being a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ and became an Ordained Minister. Janis served her community through all her unconditional love, support, and volunteer work. She always had a care-pack ready for someone in need no matter where she went. Janis never met a stranger and all who met her consider her a true and loving friend. She loved gardening, crafts, bracelet making, and her vast collection of rooster home decorations. She is survived by her husband Tom Tanabe, son Shannon Tanabe, daughter Kelle (Tanabe) Richardson, grandson Seth Richardson, and granddaughters Grace Guerrero and Faith Richardson. She is preceded in death by her parents Harley and Eunice Helms and brother Ross Helms.
A Private Funeral will be held at Cherokee Memorial Park. Friends and family are welcomed to the Celebration of Life at Vintage Church in Janis’ honor on November 4, 2025 at 1:00pm.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Tanabe family.