Janette Lee Kaufman passed away on Friday, October 14, 2016. Born to Mary and Bill Ring in Phoenix on August 1, 1962, Janette grew up on a cotton farm west of Goodyear where she and her brother Bill rode dirt bikes, placed pennies on the railroad tracks and swam in irrigation ditches. Janette graduated from Agua Fria High School in 1980 and received her undergraduate degree in education from Grand Canyon University and her master’s degree from Northern Arizona University. She was an especially creative, funny and inspiring art teacher. While teaching middle schoolers at several districts in the Phoenix area, Janette often reminded her students to “Fear no art!” They responded by creating works that were indeed fearless as well as bold and wildly imaginative. In 1998 Janette married David Kaufman and in 2003 their beloved son, Davis Riley Kaufman was born. Janette devoted her time and attention to Davis while continuing to paint, make jewelry and weld metal sculptures. Janette is preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her husband, David; son, Davis, brother, Bill Ring; nephews Tucker and Harrison Ring and Zakary Kaufman; niece Zoey Kaufman; in-laws Susan and Fred Kaufman, Vanessa and Eric Kaufman and Wendy White; and many other family members and friends who will miss her deadpan humor; flair for brilliant thrift store finds; and enthusiastic greeting of “Hi, honey!” each time she called. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, October 23, 2016, beginning at 11 a.m. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society in Janette’s memory (www.cancer.org/donate). “I remember the way you smiled, when the gravity shackles were wild.” —Beck
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Christie C
Sending our deepest sympathy and condolences to your family. May the God of all comfort strengthen you to cope and endure this difficult time.
Cindy (Tucker) Jarnagin
Sending my condolences. I grew up with Janette on the farms west of Goodyear! Always sweet with a lovely smile. With my deepest sympathy, Cindy (Tucker) Jarnagin
Craig P Thatcher
So many fun times and wonderful memories….so sorry Bill, Dave and the rest of the family on your loss…our loss.
Sheri potter
Jeanette was one in a million!! Such a kind and gentle soul, and oh so funny!! We will miss her deeply. We will pray for the family, especially Davis. May God bring you peace and healing through this most difficult loss.
Love, Sheri and Erik Potter
Tom Rizzo
My condolences to the family at this difficult time. I went to high school with Jeanette, such wonderful and fond memories. I will always remember her warm acknowledges and her humor. May peace be with you.
Olga Astorga
Sending my deepest sympathy to the family!! I went to school with Janette and graduated with her. You will be in my prayers during this difficult time.
Diane Leuniz Hubbard
I am deeply saddened by the news of Jeanette’s passing. She was a beautiful spirit. My condolences to you. May her memory be eternal.
Linda Anderson
I am so saddened for all the family and friends of Janette. She was an artist, a loving friend and a brilliant wit. I’m sure those who knew her will miss her warmth and I hope all of our happy memories of her will sustain us through this period of grief.
Jennifer Bedard
Very sorry to hear about her passing. Hi Bill, thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family.