Janet Beatrice Maddux

Janet Maddux, 86, beloved wife of Milton, mother of Donna (David) and Diane (Marc) DiBenedetto, grandmother of Vinny and Marissa and friend to many, passed away Monday, March 19 after a full, rich and rewarding life.

Descended from solid Appalachian roots and raised on an Ohio River Valley farm, Janet became an accomplished wartime secretary who enjoyed her active, single life before meeting her future husband, Milton, at a local YMCA hiking club. Milt flew the two of them in his single engine airplane to a Mexican honeymoon and then they settled down to 57 years of marriage and raised two rambunctious, challenging daughters. After sending them through college, Milt and Janet returned to traveling in earnest. They became snowbirds, enjoying summers back in Dayton, doting on their two precious, precocious grandchildren, while in winter, towing their Avion into Cracker Barrels across America, finally settling in Naples, Florida. Milt and Janet crossed the country 31 times by RV and four times by private plane. They also wondered at the Iguazu Falls of Brazil, rode on the gondolas of Venice, traveled the Trans Siberian Railway, and maybe most enjoyed cruising Alaska, a trip of a lifetime, on a family vacation just after Janet was diagnosed with cancer.

She always saw the good in everyone and enriched each life she touched. If you're reading this, there's probably a picture of you in her "Green Room" and a smile in your heart with her name on it.

Come help us celebrate her life this Saturday from 12 - 3 pm at the Bella Villa Hall, 2625 County Line Rd, Kettering.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please bring a story or food to share. Much gratitude to Hospice of Dayton, their help and kindness through this transition has been immeasurable.

Janet's last wish was "I don't want sadness at my funeral, my life has been too happy."