Janet Vining

Dates

Obituary

Janet Vining, 81, of Mitchell, SD, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly, Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Saturday, August 8, at Bittner Funeral Chapel with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in Mitchell.

Janet Lee (Washburn) Vining was born on August 8, 1944, in Mitchell, South Dakota, to Carl and Esther (Olson) Washburn. Janet was the youngest of three children. She spent her life rooted in South Dakota, living in Mitchell before making her home in Sioux Falls and later Brandon.

While Janet spent many years working as a secretary at Koupal & Anton, American Family Insurance, and Martin & Associates before retiring in January 2026, those who knew her best know that her greatest work wasn’t found behind a desk. It was found in the lives of the people she loved.

Family was Janet’s greatest joy and greatest purpose. Being a mom, grandma, and great-grandma wasn’t simply a title; it was who she was. She never missed an opportunity to celebrate life’s little moments, open her home, or remind those around her just how loved they were. Her heart was always open, and if someone she cared about needed help, she was there without hesitation.

Janet had a gift for making ordinary days feel special. The smell of fresh oatmeal raisin cookies, rhubarb crisp, or homemade pies baking in her kitchen; evenings spent playing cards and games like Phase 10, Pinochle, Uno, and Bunco; afternoons watching her favorite Westerns like Walker, Texas Ranger. She truly adored John Wayne and, of course, Chuck Norris. She enjoyed bowling and cheering on the Green Bay Packers. She spent a lot of her time singing with the Sweet Adelines. She loved traveling to Missouri to spend time with her great-granddaughters, and nothing brought a bigger smile to her face than having her family together. These are memories her family will forever treasure.

She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and unconditional love.

Janet is lovingly survived by her daughter, Vickie (Vining) Strong; son, Jason (Billie) Vining; grandchildren: Lacey (Kevin) Turner, Corey (Kylie) Muilenburg, Michael Vining, Derek Vining, Bryce (Courtney) Vining, and Alysha (Ethan) Vining; treasured great-grandchildren, Isaiah Turner, Anthony Turner, Jamar Turner, Aleah Vining, Makenna Vining, Coda Vining, Peyton Vining, Arie Muilenburg, and Rylan Vining; sister, Shirley (Floyd) Morrison, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and lifelong friends.

She was welcomed into Heaven by her parents, Carl and Esther (Olson) Washburn; sister, Carol (Washburn) Driggs; Edward Vining; beloved great-granddaughter, Hope Marie Vining; her dearest friend, Sharon Eaton; and so many others who undoubtedly greeted her with open arms.

Family and friends are invited to gather afterward for lunch and fellowship as they continue sharing stories and celebrating Janet’s life.

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