Janet Rainey (Rainey) Dierker

Janet Rainey Dierker, 89, of Columbia passed away Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Lenoir Woods. She was born August 17, 1937, in Lebanon, Missouri, the daughter of the late Ellis C Rainey and Alice (Barrows) Rainey.

Janet grew up in Lebanon, Missouri, where she was a 1955 graduate of Lebanon High School. In 1959, she obtained her degree from Drury College in elementary education. Upon graduation, she took a teaching position in Tucson, Arizona.

Home for the summer, Janet met Dennis Dierker at a church picnic in Lebanon. Dennis and Janet were united in marriage on June 26, 1966, and shared the next 52 years of their lives.

After five years together in Lebanon, Dennis joined a clinic in Farmington, Missouri, where they spent the next 20 years raising their family. In 1991, Janet and Dennis moved to Columbia.

Janet was active in the Presbyterian Church and the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She loved traveling with Dennis, volunteering in the community, and spending time with family. She was beloved and will be missed.

Janet is survived by: one son, Philip Dierker (Jana) of Reno, Nevada; one daughter, Emily Thomas (Chris) of Portland, Oregon; three grandchildren, Sophie Dierker, Owen Thomas and Lena Thomas; one sister, Pat Hansen; and many Rainey nieces and nephews who knew her as “Aunt Dutch” or “Dutchie.”

She was preceded in death by her husband Dennis, her parents, one brother and two sisters.

A private memorial service will be held at a future date. Interment will occur at Columbia Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to First Presbyterian Church, 16 Hitt St., Columbia, MO 65201 or The Wardrobe, 715 Park Ave., Columbia, MO 65201.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Janet Rainey (Rainey) Dierker, please visit our floral store.