Janis Omstead

Janis Omstead, 90, passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side at 3:39 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, in her Warsaw home.

Born in Spencer County, Indiana, on Jan. 27, 1935, Janis was the daughter of Claude and Aldah (White) Tullis. She was raised in the United Methodist Church and enjoyed the church’s social outings.

In Andrews, Ind., on May 29, 1953, Janis married her childhood soul mate, Drake E. Omstead. They were blessed with five children, lived their lives as a reflection of Christ and shared 60 wonderful years together.

Janis had an eye for collections and antiques and specialized in dishes, flatware and silverware, as a buyer.

She was very smart and very social. They would always welcome their kids’ friends and had an “open door” policy and always had pots of food cooking to feed them. Janis called everyone “honey.” She excelled at Southern cooking and taught her family to enjoy vegetables. She was very creative and enjoyed decorating in not always traditional ways.

Janis is survived by her children, Claudia Archer, of Warsaw, Robert (Lisa) Omstead, of Rogers, Ark., Carl Omstead, of El Cerrito, Calif., and his wife, Julia, of New York, and John (partner Christine) Omstead, of Bourbonnais, Ill.; a granddaughter, grandson and great-grandson; daughter-in-law, Dr. Susie Omstead, of Salem, Ore; daughter-in-law, JoAnne Venhuizen, of Crown Point; grandson, Scott DeSalle, in the U.S. Navy at Virginia Beach, Va.; and her good friends, Carol and Janet Price.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Drake, in 2013; her son, David D. Omstead, in 2009; her son-in-law, James Archer, in 2002; her parents; one sister; seven brothers; one niece; and three nephews.

Per Janis’ wishes, all services will remain private.

Memorial contributions can be made to The Beaman Home, 603 Parker St., Warsaw, IN 46581.

To sign the guestbook or send a condolence to the family, please visit mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com.