Janis Lea Tabaka Roberts Fenske Rundquist was born on June 14, 1950 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota and she left us on June 1, 2024 at the age of 73.

Janis was the oldest of six children. At an early age, she helped take care of her younger siblings. She was the appointed entertainment director, hairdresser, costume maker and make-up artist. The family made annual summer trips from Houston to visit relatives in Minnesota. Janis created and implemented many fun games and sing-a-longs for the long car ride.

Janis' love of family was ingrained into her in early childhood. Her mother instilled in all of her children the importance and value of a loving family. An especially fond memory was of her Grandma (who shared her love of cooking), frying chicken for Sunday lunch.

Janis held many jobs over the years from babysitter, school bus driver, muralist, craft shop owner, Tole painting teacher and various types of office accounting positions. She volunteered in the school PTO and was a girl scout leader for many years.  She often found herself in leadership roles. However, her greatest job was being a Mom and Gammie to her children and grandchildren. In addition, she was the family Matriarch.

She married Richard Roberts in July of 1970. They were married for over 35 years and had three children, Jennifer Grace, Joseph Michael, and Timothy David. Janis and Rick began their family in Spring Branch and moved to Klein in the spring of 1977. They hosted many family gatherings and swim parties as they raised their children and the family grew. So many happy memories were made in the small house on Methil Dr.

She married Ernest Fenske in 2011 and loved living on the Fenske Farm on Telge Rd. They hosted many family gatherings and held country markets in the big barn. Janis ramped up her love of pickling fresh vegetables and making jellies. They would make their rounds at the local farms to find the freshest ingredients. When Ernest passed away, Janis found herself alone. The support of her family, especially her sisters helped to ease the loss.

She met Bruce and they had a whirlwind courtship. They worked as a team to prepare the delicious spice mixes, jellies, and fresh baked goodies at the local Farmer's Markets to sell. She enjoyed the trips they took; the road trip to Colorado to see Bruce's side of the family, the visit with her Aunt Rose in Chicago, and the lovely Caribbean cruise on her 69th birthday.

Some of her greatest passions were cooking, canning and baking. She also enjoyed painting, crafts, entertaining and spending time with her family. She loved preparing for parties, making lists and delegating tasks. She was a born leader and had an army of followers. She loved striking up conversations with anyone she met and was truly interested.

She is survived by her husband, Bruce, her children with Rick; Jennifer (Randy) Joyner, Joseph (Danielle) Roberts, Timothy (Alma) Roberts. Grandchildren, Isaac Coronado, Sierra (Dustin) Kelso, Randy "RJ" Joyner, Morgan Roberts, Cameryn Roberts, Timothy Roberts, Brisa Roberts, William "Ozzie" Joyner, Jillian Roberts and great grandchild Ember Kelso. Her siblings, David Tabaka, Mary (Samuel) Cooper, Susan (Glen) Case in addition to her sisters-in-law Rebecca "Jan" Tabaka and Lisa Tabaka. She had many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and many friends.

She is preceded by her father, Francis "Ozzie" Tabaka, her mother Barbara "Bobbie" Tabaka, husband Ernest Fenske, her brothers, Steven Tabaka and John Tabaka.

Visitation will be Wednesday June 5, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the Klein Funeral Home Tomball, 1400 W. Main St. Tomball, TX 77375

Services will be Wednesday June 5, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Klein Funeral Home Tomball, 1400 W. Main St. Tomball, TX 77375

Graveside will be immediately following the service at Salem Lutheran Cemetery.