Janis Reah Lawson

Before marrying our father, Jan lived in many places, including Hobbs, New Mexico; Odessa and Wichita Falls, Texas; Bend, Oregon; Walla Walla, Port Orchard, Kennewick, and Spokane, Washington; and Fairbanks and Anchorage, Alaska.

She embraced her beautiful red hair and loved her Irish roots. She was pure class - always dressing beautifully. She loved colorful scarves, cute hats and shoes!

Mom moved to Alaska in elementary school and maintained lifelong friendships with many of her grade school friends.

She met the love of her life, Tom Lawson, on August 18, 1956, at a picnic at Elmendorf AFB in Alaska. They married on March 1, 1957, and built a beautiful life together.

They were blessed with four children: Diane Larson (Larry), Steven, Nancy Schoon (Michael), and Glen.

From Mom’s personal history:
“Tom and I loved our family so much and were so happy with each of them. We often said we had four children, each with their own unique personality.”

Mom and Dad especially cherished their “ELVES” — their grandchildren: Erik (Andrea), Lauren (Nick), Veronica, Emma (Todd), and Silvia (Nathan).

Mom adored her grandchildren and deeply loved her nine great-grandchildren: Carter, Nora, Caden, Aaron, Lyla, Sophie, Wade, Bowen, and Charlotte.

Their life together took them to Alaska, Ohio, Indiana, Nebraska, and Colorado. They loved to travel, especially to visit Dad’s family in Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Favorite adventures included Christmas in Yellowstone, the Tetons, Greece, Egypt, London, Canada, Oregon, Alaska, and California — especially a hot air balloon ride in Truckee. Mom was always ready for a good road trip.

Our mother was a master of all crafts (and she was good at everything - sewing, painting, calligraphy, jewelry making and so much more!), a master organizer, master game player and a master for packing for road trips.


Our mother was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved her Savior with all of her heart. She recently read and studied a book about the mission of Jesus Christ. She loved serving her Heavenly Father and his children. She twice served as president of the women’s organization at church and faithfully supported our father during his service as Bishop.

Mom and Dad also built and ran their own business for many years. Later, Mom started Reah’s Creations, proudly selling her beautiful handmade jewelry throughout Manitou Springs.

The hardest day of her life was March 13, 2017, when our father passed away shortly after they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Their children all surrounded and cared for Mom afterward, with Nancy taking the lead.

Mom peacefully returned home to her Heavenly Father on May 12, 2026, in Colorado Springs.

We miss our mother deeply and take comfort in knowing we will be with her again someday.

Night, see ya in the morning, love ya!