Janice Marie Rago-Gates

Janice Rago-Gates, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 26, 2026, in Dayton, Nevada. She was born on June 12, 1940, in Oakland, California.

Janice lived in Placerville, California, for 50 years before moving to Dayton. She retired from Lucky’s Supermarket, where she worked as a grocery clerk. Janice enjoyed spending her quiet moments reading. She was a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Placerville, and after moving to Dayton, she embraced St. Anne’s Catholic Church and its parishioners.

Janice loved life and enjoyed her time with friends, but she treasured her time with family most of all. She believed her family to be her greatest blessing. Janice especially enjoyed the traditions of Christmas. Every year, she spent hours baking, and her Christmas cookies became legendary—so much so that she became known as “Cookie Nana” to her great-grandchildren.

Janice is survived by her loving husband, Phil, of 27 years; her children Richard, Cheryl (Sis), Mark, Theresa, and Kenny; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vincent and Evelyn Rago; her son, James; her brother, James Rago; and her granddaughter, Carlene Baker.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital or St. Ann’s Catholic Church Building fund.