Janet Ellen Lotz

Janet Ellen Lotz, 72, of Pataskala, died peacefully at her home on April 6, 2016. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dalton and Evelyn (Birdsell) Lotz. Janet was born in Delaware, Ohio on October 13, 1943, and lived most of her life in the Central Ohio area. She earned her B.S. in Secondary Education at The Ohio State University, and her M.A. in Science at Ball State University. For most of her career, she taught science and chemistry at Marion Franklin High School (Columbus City Schools). Janet had a wide range of interests, but a major one was training and lure-coursing sighthounds. Over the years she and her spouse raised and trained eight Afghans and a Borzoi to successfully compete in AKC and ASFA events, winning many titles including Top Lure Coursing Afghan 1995 (FCH El Zagel Silver Olive Sunrise LCM4). Janet's interest in sighthounds led her into judging lure-coursing events where she was known as a highly skilled, nonpolitical judge, and recognized as one of the top 5 judges in the nation. She was elected regional director and served on the sport's national governing organization. A good steward of the earth, Janet belonged to a number of wildlife preservation and conservation organizations. She was passionate about saving Monarch butterflies, rescuing, raising, and then releasing more than 500 back into the wild. Janet is survived by her spouse of 54 years, Willa M. Chambers; brother Steve (Gloria) Lotz; cousin Gunther Criswell; sister-in-law Linda Chambers Thompson; nieces and nephews Gina (Jason) Smigelski, Alan (Jin) Lotz, Kelly (Rowdy) Joseph, Tally (Kathy) Gallogly, Dennis (Susan) Gallogly; 9 grand-nieces and grand-nephews; many friends and colleagues; and beloved animal companions Daisy, Carly, and Dad Cat. At her request, no service will be held, but Janet can be memorialized by contributions to wildlife preservation or earth-care organizations such as the Ohio Wildlife Center (www.animalcareunlimited.com), Monarch Watch (www.monarchwatch.org), Nature Conservancy (www.nature.org), Marine Mammal Stranding Center (www.mmsc.org), or National Audobon Society (www.audubon.org). Arrangements entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST CHAPEL, 1051 East Johnstown Road, Gahanna.