Janis Kearney Saunders

Janis Kearney Saunders passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on November 17, 2021. She was born August 28, 1939, in Fort Worth, Texas, where she grew up, married and raised her family. She was the first and only child born to Ruby and Winfred Kearney. She was married to the love of her life, James Saunders, for 66 years.

In 1986, Janis and James made their home in Weatherford, Texas. In her community, she was known for her caring nature and devotion to helping others, particularly children. Janis was the founder of Rudolph’s Round-up, whereby needy families were adopted by the neighborhood for Christmas and provided with new toys from Santa, new clothes and food using donations from her neighbors and friends. She also volunteered with many community and civic groups in Weatherford, primarily as a 21-year member of the City of Weatherford Planning and Zoning Commission and Building and Standards Commission, often serving as Chair, among other positions. Additionally, Janis was a charter member of Northside Pride, an organization that worked to revitalize the North side of Weatherford.

A lifelong love of reading and gift for story telling led Janis to become a featured writer for the Weatherford Democrat for over fifteen years. Readers were delighted by her column Spicy Tips and Salty Tales, reviews of local restaurants, and recipes that she included. She wrote stories that would make you laugh and stories so poignant they could move you to tears.

Janis will be remembered for her love of cooking, classic movies, music, and for being the consummate hostess who threw the best parties in town.

Janis is survived by her husband, James Saunders; two daughters, Karen Silverthorn (Dave) of Plano, and Diana Kern (Tom) of Weatherford. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, Kelly and Jeffrey Silverthorn, Bryan and Steven Kern; and one great grandchild, Adalyn Kern.