Janis Stradley Obituary

Janis M Stradley, 69, passed away on January 28 in Tampa.She was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. Her father Milton “Mac” McCullough was a clinical psychologist by training, and served for many years as an administrator for mental health programs in the State of Ohio government. Her mother Frances Whiteside McCullough was a middle school science teacher. Her parents married shortly before the start of World War II, and Mac served in the US Army from 1941 until the war ended.Janis had a lifelong love for animals. She always had household pets, and for many years owned and rode horses. She never turned away from the suffering of neglected and abused animals. Throughout her life she supported many kinds of animal welfare and rescue efforts.After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in animal science from the Ohio State University, she worked for The Limited, a women’s clothing store in the Columbus area, and studied nursing. She married veterinarian Dr. Daniel Stradley of Columbus, and though the marriage did not work out, they remained lifelong friends. Janis had a lifelong fascination with the body and movement. Graceful and elegant, she loved dance and was an accomplished ballroom dancer. After her marriage ended, she moved to California and obtained her degree in physical therapy at Loma Linda University She practiced physical therapy in British Columbia for a time before returning to Loma Linda to obtain a doctorate in the field. For many years she worked for Kaiser-Permanente, specializing in patients with circulatory problems, and in ergonomics. Lithe and slender, she was a very beautiful woman who looked many years younger than her age. She loved the outdoors, and loved long hikes in the woods or in the hills overlooking her California home. She formed many deep and lasting friendships with colleagues, neighbors, and fellow animal lovers.Despite a lifetime of healthy living habits, Janis was struck by illness, and in 2021 moved to Sarasota, Florida, where her brother lives. In 2023 she moved to her “dream house” in nearby Bradenton. In January she finally lost her battle, and her life ended very peacefully with her brother at her side. Her choice was cremation, and she will be remembered in an online event later this year to enable her many California friends to share their memories.Janis was a complex and interesting person of many talents. She had strong beliefs, lived life her own way, and never compromised her principles. Along the way she touched many people deeply. She was loved and she will be missed.She is survived by her brother Darryl and his wife Laurie of Sarasota. Please contact Darryl at JanisStradleyMemorial@gmail.com to receive a notification of the memorial event once it has been planned.Donations in her name may be made to any organization that works to help neglected and abused animals.