Janet Bishop

Janet Carol Bishop, a cherished mother, grandmother, wife, and friend, passed away on May 22,2026, in Medford, Oklahoma. Janet was born to Carl M. Grizzle and Florene (Magar) Grizzle on March 2, 1948 in Ardmore, Oklahoma.

Janet’s career spanned several decades in customer service within various banks, and she also served as a substitute teacher in the Blackwell Public Schools. She retired from Edward Jones,where she faithfully supported clients in both Ponca City and Stillwater. Those who knew Janet remember her as a woman who gave her all in everything she undertook.She was passionately devoted to her family, always ready to lend advice or a helping hand whenever needed. Her joyful spirit and positive outlook were contagious; she had an exceptional talent for making others smile and encouraging optimism, even in difficult times. She loved traveling, watching the birds in her backyard, and most of all, spending cherished time with her family.

Family memories of Janet capture her adventurous spirit and loving nature vividly. From childhood camping trips filled with laughter and unexpected moments—like the night fishing near Kaw Lake when she defended her family with courage and humor—to later years when she lovingly tracked her loved ones’ activities through apps, wanting to know "what those girls were up to", always making sure they arrived safely. A particularly treasured recollection shared by her daughter Cynthia highlights a trip to Colorado during Janet’s declining health. Despite the physical challenges they faced exploring ruins and climbing steep paths— places requiring safety waivers—Janet never complained and instead laughed, turning the challenge into a standing family joke that carried on through the years. Janet’s proudest accomplishments were deeply rooted in family and personal strength. Her fearless voice stood up for others when many remained silent, exemplifying her courage and integrity. She embraced life fully and made friends wherever she traveled, even with strangers she met briefly.

Janet is lovingly survived by her husband, Steven Bishop; her children, Cynthia Khan and her husband Saqib Khan, and Angela Betz and her husband Gary Betz; grandchildren Matthew Randall, Sabine Khan, Meagan Betz, Dylan Betz, Amanda Coons, Amber Winegardner, and Melissa Betz; one sibling, Carl Grizzle, Jr., and his wife Cheryl Grizzle (Nowlin); nephew Scott Grizzle and family; brother-in-law Michael Bishop; and nieces Melissa Palma (Bishop) and Deborah Watkins (Bishop).

She is preceded in death by her parents, Florene (Magar) Grizzle and Carl M. Grizzle.

A visitation to honor Janet’s memory will be held at Grace Memorial Chapel, located at 2016 N 14th St, Ponca City, Oklahoma 74601, on June 11, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will follow on June 12, 2026, at the same location, commencing at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery, 1901 E Hubbard Rd, Ponca City, Oklahoma 74604.

The Bishop family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the emergency response personnel, including those at Wesley Hospital in Wichita—Emergency, ICU, and Trauma units—as well as EMS teams for their efforts at the scene. While the family grieves the loss of their beloved mother and aunt Margaret, they acknowledge with profound appreciation that these responders saved two other lives that day, preventing further tragedy.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Northern Oklahoma Hospice and the local food bank.

Also, we wish to thank Judy Stevison (retired), and the Edward Jones offices of Blake Stevison and Jodi Cline for their support, friendship, compassion and caring during this difficult time.