Janet Ruth Wright-Kirkland

Janet Ruth Wright-Kirkland, age 81, of Hennis Care Center at Dover, died early Wednesday, June 10, 2009.A daughter of the late Elwood E. and Jeanette M. (Mathieu) Hanson, Janet was born at New Philadelphia, Ohio September 27, 1927.She was a graduate of the class of 1945 from New Philadelphia High School. On November 16, 1947, she married Donald D. Wright and together, the couple reared four children.While Janet’s primary occupation was that of a homemaker, she would often pick up extra income at a number of area stores during the busy holiday season that included the former Woolworth’s, W.T. Grant Company and Marlowe’s Drug Store.Janet had many passions in life that included being an active participant in the “45 Club”, a group of class members which gathered monthly to socialize and play cards. She and Don were also annual participants in the Dover Steam Show. In her free time, Janet enjoyed working on counted cross-stitch crafts that she often gave away as gifts.As Janet grew older, and her family grew from children to her grandchildren, Janet found great joy in attending their many activities.On September 4, 1992, following nearly forty-five years of marriage, Janet lost the love of her life, Don. She later met a gentleman by the name of George R. Kirkland. The couple were wed on August 17, 1998, and in June of 2001, George passed away as well.Janet is survived by her children, three sons, Richard (Catherine) Wright of Reinholds, Pennsylvania, Max Wright, Phil (Karla) Wright; and a daughter, Janadean Brown, all of New Philadelphia.Four grandchildren, Rebecca (Brian) Smith, Matthew (Heather) Brown, Enoch Wright and Sarah Wright; four great-grandchildren, Jacob Smith and Abigail Smith, Cheyenne Brown and Logan Brown; two nephews and a niece complete the family. In addition to her parents and spouses, Janet was preceded in death by a brother and a sister-in-law, Richard and Colleen Hanson.The family will receive guests one hour prior to services, on Saturday, June 13, 2009, from 1:00-2:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Reverend Benny Cutlip will lead a funeral service celebrating Janet’s life in the funeral home’s chapel at 2:00 PM. Following the services, a reception for guests will be hosted in the home of Janet’s daughter, Janadean. Private burial in the Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia will take place at a later date.