Janet Ruth Slinkard

Janet Ruth Gamble-Slinkard (nee: Perry)

Age 93, formerly of Vandalia, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Genesis Hospital Morrison House Hospice in Zanesville, Ohio, after a long life filled with the love of all who knew her. She was born on December 19, 1932, at the McGlone family farm in Carter County, Kentucky, to the late Bruce and Mildred (McGlone) Perry. In addition to her parents, Janet was preceded in death by her first husband, Donald Gamble; her second husband, William “Bill” Slinkard; and three siblings, Harriet Weger, Donna Straley, and Phillip Perry.

Janet was raised by her loving grandparents, Cynthia and Watt McGlone on the family farm during the depression years 1932-1942. The family, including her parents and sisters, then left Kentucky and moved to Dayton, Ohio, in search of better employment opportunities. Janet graduated from Kiser High School in June of 1950 and then attended Miami-Jacobs Business College. Upon graduation she was hired by Wright Patterson Air-Force Base. She met the love of her life, Donald Gamble, at the Riverdale Church of Christ and they were married on October 6, 1951. In 1961, Donald died tragically in an airplane accident. With the support of family and friends, she raised her three children in Vandalia, Ohio. Janet worked as the church secretary at the Vandalia Church of Christ for many years. In 1964 she remarried Bill Slinkard. Together Janet and Bill started a small business in the late 1970’s where they owned and managed a RainSoft Water Treatment franchise in Tipp City, Ohio. Janet was the Office Manager at RainSoft for her remaining working career. In retirement, she enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially visiting with her grandchildren.

Janet had many interests. She found great joy in working in her flower and vegetable gardens and was especially knowledgeable about succulent plants. She loved to read, built an extensive library of books, and had a special fondness for science fiction and Star Trek. Gifted with organization and a keen eye for detail, Janet brought care and thoughtfulness to everything she did. She was also a wonderful cook and, above all, deeply devoted to her family.

Janet is survived by three children, Larry Gamble & his wife, Linda, Melanie Palmer & her husband, Chuck and Brian Gamble & his wife, Tina; six grandchildren, Irene (Michael), Olivia (Tyler), Eleanor, James, Troy & Terry (Kelli); and many cherished great grandchildren, nieces & nephews.

The family will be receiving friends from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Saturday, July 18, at Morton & Whetstone funeral home, 139 S. Dixie Drive, Vandalia, Ohio. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 p.m. with interment at Dayton Memorial Park Cemetery.

If friends desire, contributions may be made in memory of Janet to Aullwood Audubon Center, 1000 Aullwood Road, Dayton, Ohio 45414.