Janet Kay Ahrens

Janet Kay Ahrens (11/9/40 – 3/21/21)

Janet Kay Ahrens passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on March 21, 2021.

She is survived by her husband, George Ahrens; daughters, Kimberly Kay and husband, Marc George, Krista Kay and husband, Christopher Watkins; son, Troy Ahrens and his wife, Amy; and daughter-in-law, Carrie Meyer. She is also survived by grandchildren, Monica Flinn, Taye-Lyn George, Thomas Flinn, Jason Meyer, Mason George, Harrison Flinn, Haley Bottoms and her husband, Blake, Thadeus Flinn, Abigail Ahrens, and Carly Ahrens. She was preceded in death by her son, Gregory George Ahrens and son-in-law, Marty Flinn.

Although small in stature, Janet lived a large life filled with the love of Christ, an unwavering faith in the power of human kindness and a love for her family and friends that is the mark for which we should all strive.
Janet was born in Tacoma, Washington November 9th, 1940. The daughter of William E. and Emma M. Tschudin. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1959 where she fell in love with the boy wearing corduroy pants and a flannel shirt. She paid her way through cosmetology school and in later years proceeded to perfect the fro, the flip, the feather, and the mullet.

On June 15, 1962, she married the love of her life, George Ahrens. They started their family in Tacoma and subsequently lived in Walla Walla, Washington, Long Beach, California, and Battle Creek, Michigan before settling in Waco, Texas. She was a skilled negotiator as she always wanted four children while George only wanted two. Together they were blessed with Greg, Kim, Krista and Troy.

Janet was an accomplished pianist, ski boat driver, crossing guard, soccer official, coach, Sunday School teacher, church vocal and bell choir member, active circle member, 31 Camping club, and macaroni chef. Janet was a founding member of the Heart of Texas Soccer Association, the Woodway Garden Club, and Waco Civic Chorus. She supported her family in all they did and was her grandchildren’s biggest fan and loved attending their multitude of activities. Traveling was a joy to her and never let her disease limit her. She inspired us all to live life large.

Janet shared a passion for many causes but enjoyed supporting Addi’s Faith Foundation in their mission to support families battling childhood cancer while also funding research to end the disease. Further, she was humbled and honored to have a church named in her honor by the Sierra Leone National Lutheran Church in Manowa town, Sierra Leone, West Africa.

Early on after her diagnosis, she refused to let the disease dictate what she could and could not do. Pity parties were not allowed as she proudly accepted her title as an incurable optimistic. She always saw the best in people and enjoyed being the matriarch of her growing family. She possessed the ability to inspire many with just a few words. She spoke fluently, merely with the shine in her eye, speaking love, kindness, and peace to all.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Waco on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 conducted by Rev. Dr. Leslie King. Service will also be available via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/99195346098

Memorials can be made in lieu of flowers to Addi’s Faith Foundation at addisfaithfoundation.org (2410 Riverway Oak Drive, Kingwood, Texas 77345) or to the church or charity of your choice.