Janet Carol Taht

If a life can be measured by the people it helps and the adventures it pursues, then Janet lived a remarkable one.

Janet Carol Taht passed away on June 19, 2026, the morning of her 61st wedding anniversary.

Janet was born to Carl and Esther Schomaker on August 5, 1937, and grew up on a farm on North Street in Port Huron, Michigan. She graduated from Port Huron High School before attending Central Michigan University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in education. She continued her studies by taking classes at night and earned a master's degree in guidance counseling from the University of Michigan. She proudly sang "The Victors", Michigan's fight song, throughout her lifetime.

Janet was a lifelong educator, beginning her career teaching at a Detroit middle school while earning her master's degree. In 1962 she was among the first Peace Corps volunteers and was deployed to Somalia, where she taught English as a Second Language (ESL). This adventure had a profound impact on her, and marked the beginning of a lifetime of service.

After Somalia, Janet returned to Peace Corps headquarters in Washington, D.C., where she was responsible for volunteer support throughout sub-Saharan Africa. It was in Washington, where she met and married Kenneth Taht. Together they raised two sons, Kenny and Brian. During this time, she taught at St. Columba's Nursery School.

Ken's work made it possible for the family to travel extensively, and for Janet to teach around the world. During an extended stay in Jakarta, Indonesia, she taught ESL. Later, while living in Ramstein, Germany, for four years, she taught middle school for the Department of Defense Dependents Schools. Upon returning to Washington, D.C., Janet taught in the District of Columbia Public Schools at Paul Junior High School, a position she thoroughly enjoyed, and where one of her students observed, "Mrs. Taht, you have taught on four continents!"

Janet and Ken retired to Taos, New Mexico, in 2000. There, Janet devoted herself to service through her volunteer work and board service with Shared Table, helping to feed those in need. Janet had a strong program of recovery, and helped countless people as a mentor and friend. She also served as a docent at the Millicent Rogers Museum, sharing her passion for art and education. She and her husband were active supporters of the community in Taos for twenty-five years, attending art gallery openings and operas, the KTAO Taos Solar Fest, a Night of 1,000 Stars, Taos Center for the Arts events, Taos High School football games and San Geronimo Day at Taos Pueblo. Their love of people and joy in celebrating with neighbors made everyone a friend.

Janet led a deeply spiritual life and allowed Christ to guide her deeds and actions. She used her voice and her faith to lift those in need of love and care. In Washington D.C., she was a member of Westmoreland United Church of Christ, where she was married and helped establish a nursery school. In Taos, she was a member of El Pueblito United Methodist Church before becoming an integral part of the founding of Taos United Church of Christ.

Janet was an avid reader and a member of many book clubs. She would remind her children of the adage, "Those who do not read are no better off than those who cannot."

Janet is lovingly remembered by her husband, Ken; her brother, John, and niece, Katie; her sons and daughters-in-law, Kenny and Wendy, and Brian and Linda; her grandchildren, John, Destin, Austin, Devyn, Cadence, and Madison; and her great-grandchildren, Carter, Haizly, and Hayva.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shared Table by check at P.O. Box 1302, El Prado, NM 87529. Please make checks payable to Shared Table and note "In Memory of Janet Taht" in the memo line.