Janet Ann Altizer, 91, a lifetime resident of the Barboursville area, passed away June 30, 2025. Born Janet Hash on October 9, 1933, an only child, she grew up on Toms Creek in Martha. Upon graduation from Barboursville High School in 1951, Janet married Frederick Altizer, who had just graduated from Marshall College after his military service in World War II. She often remarked he was the most handsome man she had ever met and considered their union her greatest accomplishment. They certainly enjoyed their life together.
They raised their three boys at their home on Merritts Creek Road, then moved to the town of Barboursville. She held several jobs, starting with working for the Brotherhood of Maintenance and Way Railroad Union and ending with the West Virginia Department of Highways. She was an avid reader her entire life, spent many years playing bridge with her friends, and she and Frederick enjoyed traveling.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Eva and Boyd Hash, her husband of 63 years, Frederick Altizer, and granddaughter, Catherine Altizer. She is survived by her three sons, Chris Altizer (Vickie), John Altizer (Cecilia) and Joe Altizer (Stacey); three grandchildren, Sarah Altizer, Eva Altizer, and Grace Byers; and three great-grandchildren, Cam Altizer, Gabriel Hoverman, and Madeline Altizer.
Janet was a lifelong Democrat, volunteering for political campaigns, beginning with the John Kennedy campaign in 1960. She was a long-time member of the Cabell County Democrat Women, had a passion for politics and cared deeply about her country. The words she used to describe the person currently occupying the White House are not appropriate for a family newspaper, but suffice it to say she was profoundly concerned about the state of politics in the United States.
She was a proud cat lover and had many over her lifetime, ending with the last cat by her side, Snow.
A visitation will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 5th, at Wallace Funeral Home in Barboursville, followed by a service at 5 p.m.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/wallace.
