Age 83, Stanley, Va.
Janet Loraine Couch Mathews, 83, of Stanley, Virginia, entered into the presence of her Savior on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, passing peacefully at her home, surrounded by those she loved.
She was born on July 12, 1942, and was the daughter of Leslie O. Couch and Allena Painter Couch.
Janet was a lifelong member of the Stanley community and a graduate of Stanley High School, Class of 1960.
On August 27, 1960, she married Joseph “Topsy” Mathews. Their family often spoke of the deep and steady love they shared. Janet especially enjoyed car rides and vacations with Topsy, and a cross-country trip together remained one of her favorite memories.
Janet loved Jesus. Her faith was quiet and faithful, lived out more in daily prayer and kindness than in many words. She was private about her prayer life, but it shaped who she was and how she loved others.
She was a longtime member of Stanley Baptist Church and expressed her faith through music and creativity. Janet loved to sing hymns, play the piano, and write songs and poems. Her home reflected her care and joy — especially during the holidays — warm, welcoming, and thoughtfully decorated.
For 19 years, Janet worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at MontVue Nursing Home in Luray. She truly enjoyed caring for the residents and took pride in treating each person with dignity and compassion.
Janet was known for being fair and for doing what was right. She believed people should be treated equally, and she lived that out in simple, everyday ways — whether returning money after being mistakenly undercharged or making sure each grandchild was treated the same. If one received a gift, she made sure the others did too.
Above all, Janet was loving. She cared deeply for her family and prayed faithfully for them. Those who knew her will remember her gentleness, kindness, and steady presence.
She is survived by her husband, Joseph “Topsy” Mathews; three children, Lori Trent of Shenandoah, Joseph Mathews Jr. and wife Lorie of Maryland, and Julie Wheeler and husband Johnny of Stanley; five grandchildren, Justin Trent and wife Mary of Virginia Beach, Christopher Trent and wife Nicole of Elkton, Hannah Wheeler of Stanley, and Riley Mathews and Reese Mathews, both of Maryland; and nine great-grandchildren, Micayla, Megan, Isabelle, Emma, Gabrielle, and Aislin Trent, children of Justin and Mary, and Carter, Camden, and Caleb Trent, children of Christopher and Nicole.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Leslie Randolph Couch; her son-in-law, David Trent; and her grandson, Matthew Wheeler.
Janet’s life reflected a steady faith in Christ and a love that was shown quietly and faithfully. She leaves behind a family shaped by her prayers and her example.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 19, at Bradley Funeral Home, with visitation one hour prior, from 10 to 11 a.m. The service will be conducted by Rev. Mary Sullivan-Trent. Janet will be laid to rest in Stanley Advent Cemetery in a private committal.
Memorial contributions may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork St., Fourth Floor, Winchester, VA 22601.
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