Janet Fay Leffert

Janet Fay Leffert, 94, of Logansport, Indiana, passed away on March 9, 2025, at Miller’s Merry Manor, Logansport. Born on March 27, 1930, to Harold E. and Sally Zaske of Ridgefield, Washington, Janet graduated from Vancouver High School in 1948. She continued her education at Clark College in Vancouver for two years and then earned a teaching degree from Western Washington University in Bellingham. She began her teaching career in Spanaway, Washington, near Fort Lewis.It was there that she met John Richard “Jack” Leffert, a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army from Walton, Indiana. They were married on June 13, 1953, at the First Methodist Church in Vancouver, Washington. Following their marriage, Jack and Janet moved to the Walton, Indiana area to begin farming. Together, they built a successful farming operation, eventually cultivating 1,000 acres of continuous corn in the mid-60s. In 1967, they established their own grain elevator in Walton to support their growing business. They gradually transitioned out of farming and expanded the grain elevator operation, which they maintained until 2001. In 1983, they added bulk decorative stone sales as a sideline to the grain operation, continuing it until Jack's passing in 2004.

Janet was a passionate bridge player, participating in numerous clubs, including one for over 50 years. She continued playing bridge in Logansport until her eyesight declined just a few months ago. Janet also loved gardening and had a greenhouse built on the farm where she raised annuals from seed and cultivated beautiful flower beds. Later in life, she took up painting, attending art classes and creating many beautiful artworks. Janet took great pride in her home and hosted many family gatherings and family dinners.

Janet enjoyed traveling and explored parts of Africa, China, Ireland, Scotland, Norway, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, and the Mediterranean. She also visited nearly all 50 states. In her later years, she cherished planning many trips with Jack that included her sons and their families.

Janet is survived by her brother David (Marian) Zaske of Seattle, Washington; sons, Jeff Leffert (Susan) of Walton and Greg Leffert (Marcy) of Walton; grandchildren, Cole Leffert (Janna), Lindsey Thompson (Chad), and Bart Leffert (Stacie); and great-grandchildren, Chauncey Thompson, Olia, Corban, Fay, and Asher Leffert.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Merlin and Fred Zaske.

Services will be held on March 13, 2025, at 6:00 pm in the Gundrum Funeral, 1603 East Broadway, Logansport, with Pastor Bill Collins officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until the time of service on Thursday. A private interment will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Walton Main Street, Box 22, Walton, IN 46994 or Walton Tipton Township Library, 110 N Main St., Walton, IN 46994