Janet Myrtle Larner

JANET L. LARNER STAUNTON, VA Janet Myrtle (Lytle) Larner, 80, widow of Robert Miller Larner, of Baldwin Drive, died Friday May 22, 2015 at her residence. She was born on October 1, 1934 in St. Paul, MN, a daughter of the late Arthur C., Sr., and Myrtle Josephine (Rodgers) Lytle. She graduated from Northwestern University, ILL, Temple University, and Westminister Choir College with a Masters of Music. One of her favorite memories was singing at the White House for President Eisenhower during her time at WCC. Mrs. Larner served as the Minister of Music for a number of churches over her career including First Baptist Church in Staunton. She was also director of the Staunton Choral Society for 25 years. She was devoted to her family and loved sharing books and chocolate ice cream with her only granddaughter, Mackenzie. Surviving family members include a daughter, Susanna M. Larner of Staunton; a beloved granddaughter, Mackenzie; a daughter-in-law, Angela Larner and Andrew Deitz; a sister-in-law, Ann Lytle; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends, Ann Bartee, Margaret Lewis, and Bob Rinker. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Thomas E. Larner; two brothers, Arthur, Jr., and Harold Lytle; and two sisters, Doris Horton and Gene Godfriaux. Mrs. Larner was the last surviving member of her immediate family. A memorial service will be conducted at 12 noon Saturday, June 13, 2015, in First Baptist Church by the Rev. Dr. Steve Traylor and the Rev. Dr. Paul Nancarrow. Burial will be prior to the service at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 13, 2015, in Thornrose Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be the Staunton Choral Society and former church choir members. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m., Friday, May 29, 2015 in the Henry Funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mackenzie Larner Scholarship Fund, 27 Redbud Hollow Lane, Staunton, VA 24401, First Baptist Church Music Fund, 406 W. Frederick Street, Staunton, VA 24401 or Trinity Episcopal Church Youth Music Program, 214 West Beverley Street, Staunton, VA 24401. The family would like to thank her special caregiver, Melissa Andes, Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah and the staff at Kathy's.