August 31, 1937 – February 10, 2021
Janelle Gardner Monico, native Texan and loving grandmother, was born Betty Janelle Gardner on August 31, 1937 and passed away on February 10, 2021. Janelle was a descendent of early Dallas County pioneer families. She grew up on what was then known as Gardner Hill with her parents, two sisters and cousins nearby to play with. She and her cousin Shelley were particularly close being three years apart in age and their birthdays only a day apart. They enjoyed all the usual childhood games, and Shelley said she was always delighted when she received dresses Janelle had outgrown. As Janelle and her sister Evelyn grew older, they enjoyed the freedom of exploring their surroundings while having adventures and misadventures. In the ‘80s and ‘90s they explored New Mexico. In September 1954, she married Carroll G. Monico. They had two children, Kenneth and LisAnne Monico. The family spent weekends making memories and enjoying the company of Captain Bob and Betty Border and their sons on Lake Texoma, skiing and fishing or just anchoring out in one of coves. Many times ending the evenings with a fish-fry and a moonlit cruise. The family cherished many vacations visiting Malcolm and Mable Sam in Gunnison, Colorado playing games, singing songs, gathering wild flowers and exploring greater Colorado. Every year the family anticipated Christmas festivities at Honey’s house, and later at LisAnne's. After the untimely death of her husband Carroll in December 1979, Janelle appreciated the loving care and support of her uncles, Lawrence LaQuey and Randall Cooper. At age 36, Janelle became a grandmother. She adored her new role in life and treasured family gatherings. Her fondest memories were of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren enjoying s’mores around the fire together and the occasional sleepovers.
Janelle worked as a receptionist at the Dr. Pepper company for many years in the 60s. She even had her picture published in a magazine which stated that "she felt her best when she looked her best". And that was so true of Janelle. She also worked as a switchboard operator/receptionist for State Farm Insurance beginning in the early 70s and retired from there in 1999.
Janelle was a member of East Grand Baptist Church until moving to Garland where she became a member of First Baptist Church of Garland. In 1976 she moved to Allen and transferred her membership to First Baptist Church of Allen.
Janelle was preceded in death by her husband Carroll Monico, father Homer Gardner, mother Eva Gardner and sister Delores Gardner. Janelle was survived by her sister Evelyn Yarbrough, son Kenneth Monico and wife Lori, daughter LisAnne Monico, grandchildren Stephanie Witt and husband Bobby, Natasha Batchelor and husband Brian, Trevor Fish, Cecily Fish, Karmon Bain and husband Brandon, great-grandchildren Ellie Bise and husband Curtis, Chloe Witt, Tessa Witt, Kole Batchelor, Ryeleigh Batchelor, Jack Bain, great-great-grandchild Montana Bise, niece Angela Hickman and husband David, nephews Mark Yarbrough and wife Carrie, Eric Yarbrough and wife Linda, and many other great nieces and great nephews, cousins and friends.
**DUE TO A BURST PIPE ALL SERVICES HAVE BEEN MOVED TO ANDERSON CLAYTON GONZALEZ FUNERAL HOME 1111 MILITARY PKWY, MESQUITE, TX 75150**
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