Janie Lou Wade

Janie Lou Wade, 93, of Ballinger, Texas, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, December 20, 2023.
She was born on November 27, 1930, to Abe Owen and Lela Mae (Rainey) Lacy in Lubbock, Texas.

Janie married the love of her life Raymond “Pappy” Elbert Wade on November 20, 1948. Together they shared 52 years before his passing in January of 2000. They were both members of the First Baptist Church on 8th St.  Janie was a jack of all trades. She worked at George’s Ready to Wear in Ballinger then went on to work in Ballinger ISD school cafeteria for 28 years. She also drove the school bus and was a substitute teacher for many years, but she was best known for her role as the manager of the Ballinger City Pool for 34 years. She shared a special bond with all the lifeguards that had worked for her over the years. A dedicated mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother she worked tirelessly to keep up her yard and bake everyone’s favorite desserts. She loved playing in the dirt, whether that was farming, gardening, or driving the tractor. Janie had a gift for growing things. You could give her a seed or a nearly dead plant and she would bring it to life.

Janie is preceded in death by her parents Abe and Lela Lacy, and her husband Raymond. Her brother Harold Lacy and wife Marlena, brother R.L. Lacy and wife Mary Lou, sister Dorothy Salvato and husband Frank, sister Nellie Murphy, brother-in-law Arby Holbrook. Brother-in-laws William Wade and wife Christine, Elwood Wade and wife Virgie, sister-in-law Minnie B Lange and husband Herman “Red”.

She is survived by her daughters Janett Dankworth and husband John, and Abie Williams and Gordon Euhus.  Janie will be greatly missed by her grandchildren John Raymond Dankworth and wife Tammi, Joe Dankworth and wife Shayla, Juston Dankworth and wife Becky, Timothy Williams, Wade Williams and wife Kate, and Lindsey Urbanek.  She will also be dearly remembered by her great-grandchildren Sydney Rawles and husband Logan, Payton Dankworth and fiancé Brody Baugh, Camryn Dankworth, Corbin Urbanek, Rylee Urbanek, Jaxon Dankworth, Jaclynn Dankworth, and Lawson Dankworth.  As well as three great-great-grandchildren Porter Baugh, Landis Rawles, and Pierce Rawles. Sister Lynn Holbrook and a brother-in-law Dan Murphy. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, special friends including Joe “Joe Joe” Urbanek, Heidi Hethcock, Junior Carson, Jackie and Dade Hallmark, Dr. Beldon and Cindy, Etta Murchison; and a host of other family and friends.

A visitation for Janie will be held on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger, Texas from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.  Her funeral service will follow on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at 10:00 am at the First Baptist Church on 8th St. with Marty Akins and Myron Halford officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice in Janie’s honor.

The family wishes to thank Ballinger Memorial Hospital's clinical staff and Hospice of Ballinger for going above and beyond to care for our loved one. Every team member made Janie feel more than a patient. They even called her Mammy as if she were their own family member. We are blessed to have had such an amazing experience under the circumstances. Thank you to each and every member there from the bottom of our hearts.