Janet Holligan Obituary

Janet Holligan passed away on November 11, 2025. She was 81 years old. Janet was born to Ruth and Ray Starlin in a small town in Eastern Ohio. Her father died when she was young, leaving her school teacher mother to raise Janet and her older brother, Don. Janet graduated from Kent State University and became a school teacher herself. After graduation, Janet married her long-time sweetheart Ron Holligan and the two raised three children together.

Life with Janet was a great one, full of love and support and fun. She was a wonderful model for her children growing up and into adulthood. She was an intelligent, educated woman, who put her skills to work for the good of her family, her community and stood up for what she believed in.

Janet and Ron raised their family in Northern Ohio. They moved to Durango more than 30 years ago and enjoyed the mountains and their friends here. Many a Durangoan can attest to Janet's skills as a fine cook and excellent host.

Janet was active in community life, with the Durango Arts Center, the Choral Society, the United Methodist Church and working at the Martin + Roll Gallery on 2nd Ave. back in the day. Janet and Ron moved full-time to Phoenix several years ago. More recently, Janet had struggled with dementia, the impacts of which ultimately took her life.

Janet is survived by Ron, her husband of 60 years; son Jon (Samantha) and granddaughters Hannah and Sarah Holligan; daughters Sharon Holligan and Julie Holligan (Bill) Westendorff; brother Don Starlin and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. We will all miss her dearly. May she rest in eternal peace.

A memorial service is scheduled for January 9, 2026, 11:00 a.m., at the Grace Chapel of Scottsdale Bible Church in Scottsdale, AZ.