Janet Inez Moores Oliver, 79, of Ruston, La., beloved wife, mother, grammy, veteran, and nurse, passed away at home Saturday, May 11, 2024, surrounded by her family.

A native of Tucson, Ariz., she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing as part of the distinguished University of Arizona Class of 1966. Later, she continued her pursuit of knowledge, gaining further education in Human Resources at LaRoche University.

Upon graduating from Arizona, she served as an officer on the USS Haven in Long Beach, Calif., where she cared for sailors returning from Vietnam. Until her last breath, she exuded extreme pride in her service to her country and deeply loved the Navy.

While in Long Beach, she met the love of her life, Air Force Officer D. Lamar Oliver III, whom she married on Nov. 17, 1967, at the Long Beach Naval Station Hospital Chapel. They were married for over 56 years.

After being discharged from the Navy in 1970, she moved to Lake Charles, La., where she went to work at St. Patrick Hospital. During her time at St. Patrick, the Olivers welcomed the arrival of their daughter, Carolyn Frances, and son, Lamar Clay.

She then joined the staff of the Calcasieu Parish School Board, where she served as a special education school nurse for the entire parish. Her ability to connect with her kids and their families inspired and strengthened many.

When the family moved to the Pittsburgh area, she went to work for the Shaler Area School Board, first at Burchfield Elementary and then at Shaler Area Senior High School. As in Lake Charles, one of her hallmarks was caring not only for the children entrusted to her care but also for their families. She made a practice of calling at night to check in on children she had sent home that day due to illness and on kids who were out due to extended illnesses.

In her retirement, she was very active in her church and various community organizations. Of particular note were many years of deep friendships formed at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and, more recently, at First UMC of DeRidder, La. She also cherished the loving community of Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston, which welcomed her as if she had been there for many years.

A particular gift she gave to her children was a deep love of reading and learning. She was very partial to good mysteries and had a special fondness for Lt. Columbo and Mr. Monk, amongst others, on television. Over the last decade, she transitioned to audible books with the same fervor. Also, among her favorites were classical literature and cookbooks.

Of all the roles she played in her very full life, none brought her more joy than the role of “Grammy” to Anna Catherine and Joseph. She adored them, and the feeling was mutual. The final year of her life, with all its challenges, was highlighted by having her beloveds be able to hug and snuggle her every day.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Harry Alric and Betty Jesse Moores; her brother and hero, Judson Clay Moores; sister, Betty Ruth Bohm, and sister, Anna Lee Moores. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, D. Lamar Oliver III; daughter Carolyn Frances (Michael Haushalter); son, Lamar Clay (Erin); granddaughter, Anna Catherine, and grandson, Joseph Lamar.

Honorary pallbearers include Todd Jones, David Bohm, Danny Moores, Stan Moores, David Mack, Blake Buchert, Mike Patterson, William Kesterson, John Montgomery, and Mike Kramer.

Her memorial service will be held Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston, LA, beginning at 10 a.m. Her ashes will be interred at Centuries Memorial Park in Shreveport, La., at 2 p.m., with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to Special Olympics Louisiana, 46 Louis Prima Drive, Suite A, Covington, LA 70433.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneral homes.com