Janie Ann Cox was born in Archer City, Texas on January 29, 1947. After a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis, she passed away on April 25, 2023 at her home in Guthrie, Oklahoma with her family by her side.
Janie was the second of seven children born to Joe and Clara Koetter. In 1967, she met Richard, who she married later that year. Richard’s new career at an oilfield chemical company took them first to West Texas (where their first child, Richard, was born) then to North Dakota (where a second child, Brandon, joined the family) and next to New Orleans (where they welcomed their beautiful daughter, Chanda).
It was after a move to Midland, Texas when Janie was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a condition that redefined her life and marriage. It was difficult news to digest, but Janie never complained or felt sorry for herself. She endured chemotherapy, physical therapy, a variety of drug treatments, and through it all held her head high.
After a few more moves, as Janie’s condition continued to worsen, they decided to relocate one last time, to Oklahoma, where their three children all resided.
As much as Janie had saved his life early in their marriage, it was her husband’s turn to save hers. While continuing his career—often working remotely before that became common—he reorganized his life to care for Janie.
Over the final quarter century of her life, Janie welcomed three spouses and six grandchildren into the family. Her golden years might have been the best years of her marriage and life…at least until the MS finally overwhelmed her ability to fight back.
Janie passed away in her sleep just before 10 a.m. on a Tuesday morning. She is survived by her husband, Richard Cox; her three children and their spouses, Richard Cox and wife, Kimberly, of Tulsa, OK; Brandon Cox and his wife, Katie, of Edmond, OK; Chanda Curtis and her husband, Sam, of Edmond, OK; and six grandchildren, Jonathan Curtis, Amanda Curtis, Andrew Curtis, Dillan Cox, Abigail Cox, and Milou Cox. She is also survived by her six siblings, Linda Polley, Dick Koetter, Jerry Koetter, Larry Koetter, Jimmy Koetter, and Norma Beatty; and many sistersin- law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 P.M., Monday, May 8, 2023 at St. Monica Catholic Church in Edmond with interment to follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Edmond. Arrangements are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, Guthrie.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made in memory of Janie Cox to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, https:// nationalmssociety.org/ Friends may sign the online guestbook at www. smithgallo.com.