Janie Lei Lamb

Janie Lei Lamb, 81, supremely devoted, loving, and generous mother, grandmother, wife and friend, passed away on October 15, 2026, in the company of her loved ones. Janie–Smiddy to her friends–was born to Myrtle and Sherborn Smiddy on August 20, 1945 on the island of Maui. She lived on the Hawaiian Islands for the first nineteen years of her life, attending school up through the 10th grade in Hilo then the family moved to Honolulu, where Janie graduated from Punahou High School in 1963. Hawai’i would remain close to Janie’s heart for the remainder of her life.

After graduation, Janie attended the University of Hawai’i-Manoa for her freshman year. She then opted to transfer to the University of Portland to attend their School of Nursing. It was here that Janie met the love of her life, William John Lamb (February 1, 1946-August 4, 2016). Bill and Janie were married on October 19, 1968, and then embarked on a life in the military for the next twenty years. Bill was a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force and served in Vietnam from October 1969-October 1970.

During the first twenty years of their marriage, Janie gave birth to their two sons, Michael and Steven, who she loved and adored throughout their lives. She also lived the life of a military wife and mother, adjusting to each move with stability and grace. Amid this time, the family lived in England, New Mexico (two times), Oregon, Virginia, and Nevada (three times). Janie worked as a registered nurse at St. Rose de Lima, a nurse for the blind, and the High Blood Pressure Coordinator for the city of Hampton, VA during this period in their lives.

Bill retired from the Air Force in 1988 and took a job as a flight instructor in Saudi Arabia, where he would work for the next eleven years. Janie and the boys returned to Las Vegas, and this is where Janie and Bill would settle down. Janie spent time raising her boys, working as a nurse, traveling to the Big Island with Bill--who came back from Saudi frequently--and taking care of her dogs--who she loved so much.

Janie had a job as one of the main Workers’ Compensation Nurses for the State of Nevada when Bill moved back from Saudi Arabia in 1999. She and Bill then spent the next seventeen years together living, working, enjoying family, taking care of their dogs, traveling (mainly to the Big Island), and enjoying life. Janie retired in 2009 and was able to devote more of her time to her family, her dogs, and reading–a joy she discovered later in life.

When Bill passed away in 2016, Janie focused her energies on taking care of her dogs, Lola and Beegs, and spending time with family. There were many shared moments at home, shared meals, shared vet visits (get Starbucks afterwards), phone calls, parties, and trips, and there was a lot of love. Janie always made sure there was a lot of love.

Janie is survived by her son, Michael Lamb and his wife Stephanie Lucero of Henderson, NV; her son, Steven Lamb and his wife Jennifer Lamb of Las Vegas, NV; her grandchildren, Drake, Cameran, and Tatym; and her brother, Jim Smiddy of Fort Worth, TX. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 49 years, William Lamb; her father, Sherborn Smiddy; her mother, Myrtle Smiddy; and her dogs, Marsha, Tiny, Pal, Rappenport, Trooper, Susan, Puako, Tarzan, Chops, Woodson, Jade, Abbie, Pelakea, Loki, Duke, Beegs, and Lola.

A celebration of Janie’s life will be held at Palm Mortuary at 7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123 on Friday November 13th, 2026 at 11:00 A.M.with a reception immediately following at 2028 Shadow Brook Way, Henderson, NV 89074.