NOVEMBER 7, 1946 – FEBRUARY 13, 2024
Janis Finnarn Wells, age 77, of rural Arcanum passed away February 13, 2024, at the Village Green in Greenville, Ohio. She was born November 7, 1946, in Greenville, Ohio, the daughter of the late Theodore L. and Jeannie (Kelman) Finnarn. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, John Wells, and a sister, Nancy F. Subler. She is survived by her brother, Theodore O. (Holly) Finnarn and nephews and nieces: James B Subler, Jr., Shawn A. (David) Wilson, Theodore O. (Marce) Finnarn, Jr., Thomas A. (Lisa) Finnarn, Alexander H. Finnarn, and Alison C. Finnarn.
Janis was a 1964 graduate of Greenville Senior High School where she was a varsity cheerleader. She received her Bachelor’s in Education at Bowling Green State University and her Master’s in Education from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and, also, a Reading Specialist degree from Bowling Green. While at Bowling Green, she was a member of the Angel Flight drill team that won many competitions and went to the Finals in Washington, D.C.
A dedicated teacher all her life, she taught at Oak Harbor and Fremont City Schools in Ohio and at Carmel City Schools in Indiana. She also conducted a special reading and study course at Bowling Green State University and helped many struggling students make their way through college. After retiring from teaching, she and her husband ran a successful printing business in Vandalia, Ohio. Over the years, she has been a member of the Darke County Farmers Union, and the Darke County Democrat Women.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 26, 2024 at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home in Greenville, Ohio. Visitation will be held at the funeral home that same day at 10:00 a.m. until the service begins. Burial to follow at Greenville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society, the First Presbyterian Church of Greenville, or the Cancer Association of Darke County. Condolences may be shared at www.zecharbailey.com