Janet Kay Ames

She was the second oldest of four children; her older sister, Faye Hunt, younger sister, Marilyn Orden, and younger brother, Donald Gregory.

She attended Lane Elementary, Sequoia Jr. High, and Roosevelt High School, graduating in 1967.

She met the love of her life, Larry Ames, on a church youth trip to Santa Cruz. Their adverse feelings toward roller coasters prompted them to get some popcorn while the other kids rode the coaster, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Larry and Janet married on August 24, 1968. They honeymooned at the Happiest Place on Earth, Disneyland. Their daughter, Lynette was born the following year, and their son, Patrick came a few years later in 1974. Janet was a devoted, loving wife and mother. She loved being a homemaker and room mom. She supported Lynette and Patrick in all their sporting events. She would drive them to the skating rink, and then pick them up, often late at night.

Janet loved baking. She took cake decorating classes to hone her skills and made many birthday cakes for her children. Later, she discovered cake balls and enjoyed making these for friends and family.

For many years, Janet was happy and content with quiet, supporting rolls, but in 1980, that changed. Janet’s dear friend, Debbie Isher, was killed by a drunk driver. After seeing Candi Lightner on the news talking about her organization, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, she called her and soon formed the very first local chapter of M.A.D.D. She appeared on many TV and radio programs, spreading the word of the dangers of drinking and driving. Janet would support victims, going to court with them and advocating for their rights, encouraging judges to impose maximum sentences for those who got behind the wheel while intoxicated and killed someone. After stepping away from M.A.D.D., she continued her work through North American Traffic Seminars, speaking to groups and students, telling her story, and encouraging listeners to think twice before drinking and driving.

In 2002, Janet was diagnosed with breast cancer. She went through surgeries and treatment. While in the infusion room, she met ladies also battling for their lives. They made a promise to meet up for lunch once they were done and feeling better. This promise turned into Sisterhood of Survivors; an organization to help support newly diagnosed women on their journey. She was very proud of her work in this capacity, and made many friends through this group.

Janet loved traveling. There were many trips with the family to Disneyland and Morro Bay. In 2006, she traveled by herself to Italy to see her sister, Faye, and to Spain to watch Patrick at the World Skating competition. She was gone for a month. While the language barrier was challenging, she did not let it discourage her. Hawaii was always on her bucket list, and in 2007, she traveled there with her sister, Marilyn, and Patrick.

Janet and Larry said “I Do” three times to their marriage, their original first, again for their 25th, and again for their 50th, all three times in the same church, and by the same pastor, Harry Wood.

Janet is reunited with her sister, Faye Hunt, her in-laws Lois and Bill Ames, her aunt and uncle Mary Ann and Richard Burger, her cousins Ronnie Burger and Ron Underwood, her parents Ray and Dola, and many furry family members.

Janet’s memory and legacy lives on through her loving husband, Larry Ames, her children Lynette McBride and her husband Tom, Patrick Ames and his husband Brad, her grandchildren William and Matthew, her siblings Don Gregory and his wife Karen, and Marilyn Orden, as well as cousins, nieces and nephews, dear friends and extended family. Her light will continue to shine through all that knew and love her.

A Celebration of Janet’s Life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3973 North Cedar Ave in Fresno, at 11:00 a.m.