Marla Janes

Marla Jean (Estes) Janes passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026, in Mason, Ohio, at the age of 81. Born on October 2, 1944, in Warren, Pennsylvania, she was a woman whose life was defined by profound love, graceful sacrifice, and an unwavering devotion to her family.

As the beloved wife of Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin F. Janes IV (Ret.), Marla embraced the unique demands of an Air Force family with courage and resilience. Through every move and challenge, she remained the steady, beating heart of her home.

Her greatest calling and proudest accomplishment, however, was motherhood. Marla made the selfless and intentional choice to be a dedicated stay-at-home mom, sacrificing her own time and energy so her children could have every possible opportunity to thrive. She was a fierce advocate for her kids—believing in them, standing up for them, and loving them unconditionally. The home she built was a sanctuary of encouragement, loyalty, and deep care.

Her legacy of love continues through the family she so proudly nurtured: her children, Benjamin F. Janes V (Tammy), Robert D. Janes (Catherine), and Susan M. Lape (Chad); her cherished grandchildren, Mariah (Jamie), Gabrielle, Benjamin, Chad Jr. (Anna), Rebekah, Nathanael, Haley, Connor, and Madison; and her precious great-granddaughter, Elena.

Though her family always came first, Marla also shared her vibrant spirit with her community. During her fifteen years in Rome, Georgia, she brought beauty to the world around her as past Co-President of both the 7 Hills Garden Club and the Rome Federated Garden Clubs. She enjoyed the fellowship of the Rome Social Club and was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Rome. Her love of gardening perfectly reflected how she lived: with patience, care, and a desire to help everything around her flourish.

In heaven, Marla is reunited with her parents, Ralph and Romaine Estes, and her brother and sister-in-law, Marvin and Katherine Estes.

Marla will be remembered as an amazing mother, a devoted wife, and a woman of great strength and kindness. Her example of sacrifice and fierce devotion shaped her family in lasting ways and will never be forgotten.