Jan Tiner Appleby
Janell Tiner Appleby, 86, passed away on April 18, 2024, in Abilene, Texas, after a courageous, 24-year battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Melton-Kitchens Chapel of Memories with Eddie Turner officiating.
Jan was born on January 18, 1938, in Merkel, Texas, to Gerald and Ethel Tiner.
Jan attended schools in Noodle and Breckenridge, finally graduating from Woodson High School. Jan started her family in Breckenridge and became a doting mother to Laura in 1962 and then to Jim in 1964. She was a stay-at-home mom and an active leader in Girl Scouts, 4-H, and Mother’s Club at South Elementary.
In 1974, the family moved to their ranch at Possum Kingdom Lake. Jan took a position with the State of Texas at Possum Kingdom State Park. After a few years, she took over the park store and proudly named it Jan’s Country Store. For the next 20 years, she graciously served many customers and made many lifelong friends.
Upon retirement, Jan returned to Breckenridge. She loved to travel and did so with family and friends. She was a faithful Dallas Cowboys fan. She loved to work jigsaw puzzles and play games, especially Farkle. She was an avid hunter, especially of rattlesnakes, and fisherwoman. She loved working in her yard and you could see that by looking at her beautiful home and garden.
You could always find her at any event that Alexaz and November participated in, whether it be cheerleading or a sport that they loved. She got to watch Alexaz graduate from Texas Tech in 2022 and recently got to share the excitement of Alexaz’s acceptance to Physical Therapy School. Jan knew that November receiving her diploma from Texas Tech was only days away. She was so proud of their accomplishments, and they filled her heart with joy.
Jan was one of a kind. She was always dressed to the nines; “Better overdressed than underdressed” she would say. She had a very giving heart and a servant’s heart. She was a very loving Mother and Grandmother, a savvy businesswoman, and a beautiful friend to many. She had an extraordinary creative talent for decorating her home. She was a collector of antiques, all green glass, and chickens galore.
She loved to entertain, and this was most evident in her family’s Thanksgiving get-togethers. By the way, they will continue.
She was preceded in death by her parents, son Jim Appleby and her sister Jerry Magleby.
Her survivors include Daughter Laura Gilbreath and husband Rusty of Breckenridge, Granddaughter Anginette Gilbreath and fiancé James White of Breckenridge, Great-Granddaughters Alexaz Meredith of Austin and November Meredith of Lubbock, Great-Grandson Austyn Anderson of Breckenridge, Sister Jeanetta Schnetzer of Wichita Falls, Daughter-in-Love Joye Enwright and husband Mike of Rowlett; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; her loyal travel companion and wonderful cousin Geraldine Hettler of Lubbock; very special cousins Thresa Tankersley of Morton Valley and Eddie Turner of Enterprise; and her faithful companion Chip.
Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels or the Swenson Memorial Museum of Breckenridge.
