Janet Callis Arnold

Dorothy Janet Callis was born on January 9, 1937 in Littlefield, Texas to Elbert and Ida Mae Callis. Janet's life was a reflection of gratitude, grace, and quiet strength. Rooted in her favorite scripture, "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you, (I Thessalonians 5:16-18)." she approached each day with joy and a thankful heart guided by steady faith, always recognizing life's many blessings. In moments of celebration, she gave thanks. In times of hardship, she still gave thanks-trusting that even life's challenges had purpose.

She found beauty in the simple things and reminded those around her to do the same. Her faith was not just something she believed, but something she lived, teaching by example what it means to walk with faith, humility, and kindness. Her teaching spanned from toddlers in Sunday school and children in vacation Bible school to special education classrooms and fostering a love of reading in the Central School library. She had a deep love for reading, but her greatest job came from inspiring that same passion in others, watching them discover, enjoy and grow through books.

Janet worked at Ray's Drugstore, where she served others with kindness and care. She always had a smile, and those on the other end of the phone always recognized that signature "mmm Hello." She later followed her love of learning and became an elementary school librarian, where she inspired young minds and shared her lifelong passion for reading. A good student herself graduating from Carlsbad High School in 1954, she never lost her curiosity or appreciation for books.

She found great pleasure in the beauty of nature, especially in her love for flowers. Her rose garden was a reflection of her gentle spirit-beautiful, peaceful, and carefully tended, bringing joy and comfort to all who saw it. She also delighted in going to the park and enjoying fun-filled picnics, a tradition that lives on through her family's shared love of the outdoors.

She was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, wife, Mom, Grammy and a friend to all-devoted in every role she held and deeply cherished by those who knew her. She married Larry Nelson Arnold on July 27, 1954, and together they built a beautiful life full of love and family.

Above all, Janet was selfless-a woman who gave of herself freely and always put the needs of others before her own. Her greatest pride and joy was her family. She was a wonderful cook and an even better baker. Her holiday pies, delectable fudge, and chocolate chip cookies were treasured by all, and she found true joy in sharing these lovingly made treats with family and friends.

She was a devoted and caring Mom to five children, a cherished Grammy to fourteen grandchildren, a treasured great-Grammy to forty great-grandchildren, and a wonderful great-great Grammy to 1 great-great grandchild, each of whom was a blessing in her life. She taught us to be thankful in all things and to trust in God's plan. Her life was a faithful example of devotion, goodness, and gratitude, and her legacy continues to live on through her family and all who were blessed to know her. She has now gone home to be with the Lord.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother Reverend Elbert Ray Callis, her sister Patsy Thorne, and her daughter-in-law Sandy Arnold.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Ann Marsh; her children: Lonnie Arnold (Cindy), Debbie Riley (Jim), Linda Barnett (Danny), Ronnie Arnold, and Kathy Plattor (JJ); along with fourteen grandchildren; Nicole Brewer, Amanda Loaiza (Carlos), Jennifer Buchanan (Doug), Shannan Arnold (Stephanie), Chad Riley (Lisa), Nolan Riley (Mandy), Craig Riley (Amanda), Carin West (Bobby), Brandon Barnett (Crystal), Brian Barnett (Tiffany), Brittany Clarke (Roland), J.C. Plattor (Brittnie), Dustin Plattor (Taylor), and Kyle Plattor (Kathryn), forty great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

In honoring her life, we give thanks to God for the many blessings she brought into our lives-for her love, her wisdom, and the countless ways she reflected His grace. She will forever be cherished in our hearts and remembered as a guiding light and a faithful example of a life devoted to the Lord.

Funeral services for Janet Callis Arnold will be held on Wednesday, April 29 at 2:00 pm at West Main Baptist Church, Artesia, NM. Viewing time will be held from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm on Wednesday, April 29 at Terpening & Son Mortuary. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are her grandsons, Chad Riley, Nolan Riley, Craig Riley, Brandon Barnett, Brian Barnett, J.C. Plattor, Dustin Plattor, and Kyle Plattor.