Janet R. Oatman passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, April 30, at the Colorow Care Center in Olathe, surrounded by her family. She was 87.

Janet Ruth Queen was born on December 14, 1938, in Oakland, California, to Lois M. Orr and John Glenn Queen. She was raised in Burlingame, California and graduated from Burlingame High School in 1956. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Piano Performance from San Jose State University in California and later a master’s degree in education from Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado.

In 1972, Janet moved to Hotchkiss with her husband, David Maroney, and their two children, Jennifer and Patrick. After his death in a maritime shipping accident in Colombia, South America in 1975, she carried on with quiet strength and deep devotion to her family. She later met Ronald Oatman at the Delta County Fair and they were married on December 21, 1985, beginning a 40-year partnership marked by love and devotion.

Janet was a cherished member of the North Fork Valley community, known for her many years as an elementary school teacher in Hotchkiss and her service on the Delta County School Board.  Through her kindness, dedication, and quiet strength, she touched the lives of many.

A gifted and creative woman, Janet created intricate needlework—including cross-stitch and drawn thread embroidery—often embellished with beads and delicate detail. Her work earned many ribbons at the Delta County Fair and was treasured by her sorority sisters, friends, and family. She also enjoyed knitting and crocheting, and her keen sense of color and style was reflected in her home and the way she dressed.  

A talented musician, Janet was an accomplished pianist who brought music into every part of her life. She kept a piano in her kindergarten classroom, introducing music into her curriculum and nurturing a love of it in her students. She also played piano and organ for many years at the Hotchkiss Community United Methodist Church and accompanied students at Solo Contest, supporting and encouraging young musicians in their journeys.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald Oatman of Hotchkiss; her children, Jennifer Maroney Hurst (Michael Hurst) of Silver Spring, Maryland, and Patrick Maroney (Sheryl) of Plateville, Colorado; and her grandchildren: Tessa Tripodi (John Nacey), Gemma Tripodi, Marra Tripodi, Kindra (Pete) Bosch, Josh Maroney Creamer (Britany), Joseph Maroney (Dani), Benjamin Maroney, and Elizabeth (“Elly”) Maroney. She is also survived by her 14 great-grandchildren and was preceded in death by her brother, Bruce Glenn Queen (“Skeet”).

A celebration of Janet’s life will be held Monday, May 11, at 10 am at the Hotchkiss Community United Methodist Church and open to all.

Donations may be made to the Janet R. Oatman Scholarship Fund through Beta Sigma Phi, PO Box 92, Hotchkiss, CO 81419. The fund will support the next generation of learners in the North Fork Valley.