Janet Ruth Carper's Obituary
Janet Ruth Carper of Uvalde, Texas, passed away at her residence on September 6,
2023, at the age of 84. She was born on November 3, 1938, to William “Bill” Ladley and
Catherine “Kay” Altman Ladley in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Janet Ladley married
Herbert J. Carper, Jr., on March 4, 1961, in Uvalde, Texas, and they had two sons.
Janet and her family moved to Uvalde before high school, and she graduated from
Uvalde High School in 1956. After graduation, Janet attended the University of Texas
Medical Branch School Of Nursing in Galveston and completed rotations at the historic
John Sealy Hospital. She graduated as a registered nurse in 1959 and went to work at
the Texas State Hospital in Austin. Janet loved working on the surgical floor there.
Later she moved to Houston to work at MD Anderson, and met Herb (again) while living
there. The rest, as they say, is history. After a few moves for Herbie’s education and
career, the family settled in Lubbock. Janet worked much of her career as a school
nurse for the Lubbock Independent School District, floating between various campuses,
and retired from LISD in the late 1990’s. In 1998, after retirement, Janet and Herbie
moved back to their hometown of Uvalde.
Janet was an active member of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church where she was a member
of the Daughters of the King. She was a member of prayer groups, enjoyed playing
bridge and volunteered at El Progreso Memorial Library working in the archives
department. While living in Lubbock, Janet enjoyed attending all the sporting events at
Texas Tech with her husband and her boys. She loved hosting get-togethers and
holidays at her home. Janet was a huge supporter of her family’s interests and hobbies
and even rode roundtrip from Texas to Nevada on the back of Herbie’s Harley Davidson
touring motorcycle. They loved to travel together and with other family members and
friends.
Janet was a devoted and selfless caregiver. She routinely visited residents of the local
nursing home and other elderly residents throughout the area. Because of her loving
and thoughtful nature, Janet was well-known by her family and friends to give the best
gifts. Her sincere kindness to others meant she always sent birthday cards, handwritten thank-you cards and other notes of endearment to those she loved. Janet had a
favorite fragrance she always wore that seemed to portray the essence of who she was,
and especially her grandchildren will always adore the way Gammy smelled. As a
grandmother she was always down on the floor playing with toys or coloring with Kami
and Kaleb.
Janet is survived by her sons Kyle Carper and wife Kim of Addison, Texas; Keith Carper
and wife Jilane; granddaughter, Kameryn Carper and grandson, Kaleb Carper, all of
Allen, Texas; sisters-in-law Mary Lou Williamson and husband Jim; Nancy Bennett
and husband Blaine; brother-in-law Chris Carper, all of Uvalde and numerous nieces,
nephews and dear friends.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Herbie and her brother,
Robert “Bob” Ladley.
A celebration of life service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, September 23, 2023, at St.
Philip’s Episcopal Church in Uvalde followed by a graveside service at the Uvalde
Cemetery. A reception and visitation with the family will follow immediately after
interment at the home of Amy and Jimmy Carnes, 98 Fair Oaks Drive.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Philips Episcopal Church at 343 N. Getty St.,
Uvalde, Texas, 78801
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