Janet Mae Elkins, age 89, of Mansfield passed away Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. Born July 7, 1936, in New Boston, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Lillian (Ferguson) and Morris Magee.
Janet married Charles Elkins on October 15, 1955, and they had a once-in-a-lifetime love. She enjoyed every moment with him and longed for him every day after he passed away on November 19, 2017. He was there to welcome her with open arms when she entered Heaven and now, they are forever reunited. Janet loved spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren, spoiling them with her fantastic cooking and baking skills. Family get-togethers, especially at Christmas, put much joy into her heart and a brilliant smile on her face.
Janet valued education, emphasizing the value of a college degree to all her family. She encouraged all her family to pursue higher education and make their mark in the world in a significant way. She was very proud of each of her grandchildren earning their college degrees. She enjoyed hearing about each of her family member’s goals and often asked how they were doing in their careers. Janet volunteered many hours in her children’s classrooms and this ultimately led to her becoming a paraprofessional, working for over 20 years at Mansfield City Schools. Janet encouraged and supported students to become the best version of themselves through learning. In her free time, she enjoyed card games, especially SkipBo, and watching old Westerns on tv.
Janet’s legacy will be a treasure for her family, friends, students, and everyone she impacted throughout her life. She was loved beyond measure and will forever remain a bright light and inspiration in their lives.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Kim Riggenbach and Kevin (Debby) Elkins; four grandchildren, Kristen (Ryan) Ross, Amanda (Jason) Secrist, Emily Elkins and Katie Elkins; eight great-grandchildren, Gregory, Lily, Grant, Madison, Brody, Kollin, Nico, and baby Ella on the way; two brothers, Jerry Magee and Luther (June) Magee; son-in-law, Glen Ross; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Charles W. Elkins; daughter, Kathy Ross; sister, Pat Adkins; and son-in-law, Steve Riggenbach.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. with her son, Kevin Elkins, officiating. She will be laid to rest beside her husband in Mansfield Memorial Park.
