Janet Marie Bales, 86, of Fredericktown, MO passed away March 23, 2026 at Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis. She was born July 5, 1939 in St. Louis to the late Charles and Audrey (Tiemann) Wodecker. Janet was a member of the First Baptist Church of Fredericktown. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures and the moments that brought people together. She enjoyed working puzzles, bowling, camping under the open sky, and traveling to new places. Above all, she cherished her family—her love for her children and grandchildren was the center of her world, and she took great pride in every moment spent with them.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her step-mother, Freda (Mauf) Wodecker; two brothers, Kenny Wodecker and Merle Mauf; two sisters, Patsy Wodecker and Dorothy Mauf; broth-in-law, Lanny Goetz.

Janet is survived by her loving husband, Leonard Lowell Bales; four sons, Steven Bales and wife Barbara, Dennis Bales and wife Deborah, Kenneth Bales and wife Tina, Keith Bales and wife Julie; nine grandchildren, Kyle Bales, Kory (Laura) Bales, Kaleb (Alisha) Bales, Ryan (Julie) Bales, Kristin Bales, Claudia Bales, Madison Bales, Mason Bales, Mackinley Bales; eight great-grandchildren, Gemma, Karli, Maggie, Lettie, Eli, Zoey, Mitchell, Granger; one sister, Audrey Goetz. Many nieces, nephews, family and friends also survive.

Visitation will be held at the First Baptist Church of Fredericktown on Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 10:00 AM until the time of service at Noon with Rev. Tom Johnson officiating, assisted by Bro. Brian Wetzler. Interment will follow at Marcus Memorial Cemetery in Fredericktown. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, First Baptist Church of Fredericktown or Wounded Warrior Project. Arrangements are under the direction of C.Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home – Wilson Chapel in Fredericktown.