Janet Kay Rinkal

Janet Kay Rinkal, aged 84, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 20th in Visalia, California.

Janet was born on December 11, 1940, in to Harry and Joann Armstrong. Janet entered this world with an inquisitive mind and a positive nature, she was one of Harry and Joann’s six children. Janet was proud of her family and their farm upbringing; her and her siblings grew up milking and feeding cows and playing in the big old barn, these were times that she cherished. Janet left home for Kings County, California with big sister Virginia at the age of 19 in an old VW, they stayed with relatives and carved out their futures in their new California world and beyond. In 1961 Janet met her future husband Jerry Rinkal in Hanford, California and they began a long and loving romance that lasted until death did them part. Janet and Jerry were married in 1964 and within a few years daughter Susan was born and soon after, son Jerry. Jerry and Janet established a happy home in Visalia and had an open-door policy and many in the neighborhood benefited.

Janet was never one to sit still, she was active in coaching youth sports, running the race track pit board, playing tennis and pickleball and especially bowling with many league friends. Janet worked as a tax preparer, appreciating the seasonal nature of the job, which allowed her to travel across the country every summer and visit friends and family. Janet was proud to be inducted into the Lemoore Jet Bowl “Hall of Fame” for her decades of service to that organization and its subsidiaries. She was especially proud of her grandsons; she supported their endeavors and achievements and was an unwavering and loving influence on them.

Janet, a resilient fighter, had beaten cancer three times, earning her battle scars. Throughout her battles she was always positive and never once quit on herself or any of us that cared for her, she was a fearless warrior, and her strength and quiet determination was a force of nature that will be missed. She did live life well. We will all miss her.

Janet leaves behind; children Susan Dennis and Jerry Rinkal, son in-law Rick Dennis, grandsons Colton Dennis, Brad Dennis, Bret Dennis, brother Dale Armstrong and wife Jane, brother in-laws Sam Rahl, Ted Mattonen and Sam Hart. Many nieces and nephews and dear friends and neighbors.

Janet was preceded in death by parents Harry and Joann, husband Jerry, sisters Virginia, Harriet, Shirley and Paula and in-laws Paul and Gloria Heiman.

Funeral service time and place: March 14th @ 11:00 am, Miller Chapel 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA 93291

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291 (559)732-8371.