Janis LaVerne Calkins, 72, of Sheridan passed away March 16, 2019 (after a year long battle with progressive dementia) in Phoenix, Arizona where she was an inpatient at Hospice of the Valley care home.

Janis was born in Riverside, California on September 11, 1946 to parents Welda "Billie" LaVerne Reilly and Francis Earl Reilly. The family moved to Sheridan when Janis was four years old. Her father passed away in 1951. In 1954 Janis and her brother Scott were adopted by their step-father, Myron Dale "Buster" or "Red" Calkins.

Janis attended Sheridan area schools and graduated from Sheridan High School in 1966. After graduation Janis went to work at the VA Medical Center and she worked there 42 years until her retirement in 2007. Janis delivered mail throughout the whole VA Facility where she walked 5-7 miles daily and still had a smile for everyone.

Janis married Gayland Klein in 1973 and they were married until his death in 2002. She then moved in with her mother to care for her until her passing in 2009.

Janis was a member of the VFW and Eagles. After retirement from the VA Medical Center Janis volunteered at the Senior Center (now The Hub) a few days a week. Part of this volunteer work included working at the Green Boomerang which she enjoyed. In 2011 Janis became a "snowbird" staying with her brother Scott and sister-in-law Susan. Janis LOVED Arizona and was involved in several of the activities in the Mountain Brook retirement community in Gold Canyon such as bocce ball, aerobics, canasta, card making, jewelry making, ceramics, Jeepin in the desert and she went to many special events held throughout the winter season. She especially enjoyed going with her sister-in-law Susan, to shop, have facials, pedicures, manicures and massages. Janis LOVED to travel and take cruises. She cruised to Mexico, Hawaii and her favorite was the one week stay in Rome and the 16 day return cruise to Fort Lauderdale.

Janis will always be remembered for her big SMILE and warm friendly personality.

Janis is survived by her brother Scott (Susan) of Sheridan, niece Shay (Johnnie) of Sheridan, niece Holly (Cory) of Joplin, Missouri and nephew Ryan (Lindsay) of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Also five great nieces and four great nephews. She was fondly known as Aunt "J".

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be made to Scott & Susan Calkins, PO Box 417, Sheridan, WY 82801.

The Sheridan Press - Apr. 12, 2019.