Janet Louise Sipes

Janet Louise Sipes, 86, Altoona, passed away Wednesday at UPMC Altoona, with her family by her side.

She was born in Altoona, daughter of the late Ritner I. and M. Lucille (McNamara) Fiester.

Surviving are her husband of 68 years, Robert D. Sipes of Altoona; six children: Robert A. (Susan) Sipes of Altoona, Gary L. (Patty) Sipes of Ponte Vedra, Fla., Linda L. (Robert) Kawtoski of Altoona, Phyllis A. Sipes of Altoona, Phillip D. Sipes of Hollidaysburg and Douglas A. (Kelly) Sipes of Altoona; 16 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Eleanor Moses; and two brothers: John “Jack” Fiester and William Fiester.

Janet graduated from Altoona High School in 1950. She worked for Peterman’s Florist and helped run the family business Bob Sipes’ TV and Appliance, since its establishment in the 1950’s. Janet established and managed a thrift shop for the Juniata United Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday school and served as an elder and deacon. She was also an active band parent.

Janet was a remarkable woman, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who dedicated herself to her family and others.

She loved bowling, her dogs, and spending time at family summer home, in Raystown, which she and her husband built together. The cottage was a place of peace and tranquility for her. She loved sitting out on the porch overlooking the lake. She and her family enjoyed many fond memories there together throughout the years.

Janet was a remarkable woman; a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who dedicated herself to her family and others. She will be sorely missed by friends and family in the years to come.

Friends will be received from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, at Mauk & Yates Funeral Home Inc., Juniata, where a funeral service will immediately follow at the funeral home. A private graveside service will immediately follow.