Janet Christine McGrath

Janet Christine McGrath, 61, of Athens, Ohio, passed away on December 30, 2025, at Riverside Methodist Hospital, with her children by her side. She was the beloved daughter of Judy McFadden McClain and will be remembered for the warmth of her welcome, her fiery spirit, and the loyal love she poured into her family and community.

Janet is survived by her children, Katie (Devin Landis) and Brody (Haley Hammond); the father of her children, Keith; her brother, Scott (Kim) McClain; her niece, Jordan (Derek) Boudinot; her nephew, Austin McClain; and many nieces and nephews from the McGrath family. She is also survived by cousins from all over, and friends from every walk of life who were lucky to know her and be loved by her.

Janet was a woman with a fiery personality, a beautiful smile, and the kind of presence that made people feel immediately welcomed. She was funny, stubborn, and deeply dependable. She was direct and no-nonsense, quietly strong, and big-hearted in the ways that mattered most.

Janet was rooted in Athens, Ohio, where she built a life defined by loyalty, community, and showing up for the people she loved. She worked at O’Bleness Hospital for more than 40 years, and those who knew her through work knew her as steady, capable, and unmistakably herself.

Janet believed in her children with her whole heart and lived her life with a single-minded purpose: to ensure their lives would be better than her own. She showed her love by listening, making you laugh, and always being there, even when she did not feel like it. When someone was having a hard time, Janet checked in and made sure they had someone to talk to. Beneath her blunt honesty was a tender and soft caretaking spirit that made others feel safe.

To be cared for by Janet meant you always had a friend in your corner. She would go to the ends of the earth for the people she loved and stood up for you even when you did not stand for yourself. She believed in justice for all and was steadfast in protecting and advocating for the ones she loved.

Janet also had a special love for her community, especially local kids. She supported them by attending sporting events, taking photos, and sharing those moments with families who could not always be there. She had a gift for including everyone and making people feel seen.

In her downtime, Janet loved relaxing, reading, and watching women’s sports. And if you ever got her laughing, her laugh was contagious. Once it started, it was all out, belly full, and unforgettable. Her love extended beyond her immediate family too. She welcomed “all the strays” her kids brought home, offering warmth, belonging, and a steady kind of loyalty that never wavered.

Funeral services will be held at 6:00 PM on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Hughes Funeral Home in Athens, OH, with Phil Foster officiating. Visitation will be held before the funeral on Friday from 1-3 PM and 4-6 PM.

In lieu of flowers, Janet’s children are asking for donations that will be given in her honor to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Athens County. As many know, Janet used her voice loudly to fight for those who were most vulnerable, and CASA serves local children with unwavering, protective advocacy. Donations may be made in one of two ways:Venmo: Brody McGrath — @Bmcgrath11 or to donate by check, make checks payable to Friends of Athens CASA and mail to:1 S Court St., Athens, OH 45701To learn more about CASA of Athens County, please visit athenscasa.org.

Janet’s children want to thank everyone who loved their mom and allowed her to be a part of their lives. It meant more to her than she could have ever put into words.