Tributes

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of the love of my life, my wife, Janet Stoll-Lee. Janet passed into peace in the early morning hours of September 12, 2025, at the age of 65. Her passing followed a courageous battle with dementia that spanned more than six years. Janet pursued every goal with fervent determination. Her unsinkable spirit, combined with her sharp intellect and talent as a communicator, catapulted her to prominence in the greater Fresno community. Born in Detroit on October 2, 1959, Janet moved with her family to Fremont, California, in the early 1960s. Her parents were teachers in the Fremont Unified School District. Janet excelled in competitive swimming and forensics. In 1977, she graduated from high school at the top of her class at the age of 17. The next fall, Janet enrolled at California State University, Fresno. She completed her degree program at an accelerated pace, graduating in 1980 with a bachelor of arts in radio and television news communication. As a freshman at Fresno State, Janet landed her first broadcasting job as a disc jockey for a Lemoore radio station. She went on to hold various commercial radio jobs in Hanford and Tulare. In 1980 she joined Fresno’s Fox 26 television station. For nearly two decades, Janet delivered the 10 O’Clock News to Fresno residents as a news anchor, managing editor, and reporter. Janet had an unquenchable thirst for adventure. She fearlessly chased down news stories, even those that could put her in harm’s way. She once said that she would eagerly travel on the first flight to Mars. In 1998 she became the principal news anchor for News Radio KMPH (107.5 FM). She left the station in 2001 to serve the Clovis Police Department as its public information officer. While at News Radio KMPH, Janet met her future husband, Jerry Lee, the station’s traffic reporter. One day, on a whim, she asked Jerry if he’d like to play Skee Ball, a popular arcade game. He replied “yes,” and off they went to the arcade. After that first date, they were inseparable. It was rare to find Janet without a camera in her hand. As she and Jerry traveled to destinations around the world, she amassed thousands of photos, adding the title “photo journalist” to her list of accomplishments. Her photos routinely won top honors at the Big Fresno Fair. In addition to her husband of 23 years (Jerry), Janet left behind her sister Marilyn Reed; niece Annalie Reed; nephew Jackson Reed; brother-in-law Gary Reed; and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Arlene Stoll. Janet’s sister Marilyn, along with Jerry’s extended family of children and grandchildren, nurtured and loved her throughout her illness. The Lee household included an ever-growing clan of “fur children,” many of them strays that Janet adopted. Janet had tremendous compassion for animals. She became their staunch advocate, raising awareness of local animal shelters and mobilizing donor support. Sweet Janet, we love you and will cherish you in our hearts forever. Rest in eternal peace, darling girl. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Chapel of the Light on Friday, October 24, 2025. Interment will follow at Belmont Memorial Park.

Tributes

Janet Stoll Lee

October 2, 1959 - September 12, 2025