Janis Linot Chosen as 2024 Fall Festival Parade Grand Marshal

Following an afternoon of watching her grandkids play baseball, Janis Linot arrived late to the Rose Hill Historical Society meeting on the same day the Parade Grand Marshal was being chosen. Remembering late husband Tommy’s grin, she attributes her lateness to playing a role in her selection.

“I really want to pay tribute to my husband, Tom,” Linot said.

Deep Roots and Ongoing Impact in Rose Hill

Born and raised in Rose Hill, Linot witnessed and contributed to some of the town’s beginnings. Linot’s family ties to the area are deep; her uncle, Shorty Cox, was a well known, respected community figure. Her great grandparents homesteaded in Rose Hill in 1871, laying the foundation for their family’s lasting impact on the community. Her parents, Kermit and Lucille Cox, were also leaders in the community.

Her husband, Tom, had deep roots as well, with his great-grandparents originally owning the land where McConnell is now situated. Tom passed away in 2020, but his legacy and contributions to Rose Hill remain a significant part of the town’s history.

“He was deeply involved in our community,” Linot said. “It would be a lot of fun if he was here for this.”

Linot, who helped establish the Rose Hill Historical Society (RHHS) in 2007, has been a cornerstone of the community. Though she retired from the U.S. Post Office as a rural mail carrier years ago after more than 30 years of service, her legacy endures. The RHHS, known for its role in selecting the parade grand marshal, reflects her lasting impact on Rose Hill.

A proud graduate of the Rose Hill High School class of 1952, Linot still maintains her Rocket pride to this day. This June, she celebrated her 90th birthday, lending her support and guidance to those around her.

Family has always been one of the most important things in Linot’s life; she and her late-husband had many children including:

– Mike and Karen
– Melvin and Lee Ann
– Diane and Phil
– Dean
– Darrel and Beth
– Marilyn and Charlie
– Craig and Rebecca

Along with her own children, Linot has been blessed with grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Celebrating Decades of Fall Festival Dedication

Since the beginning of the Fall Festival in 1976, Linot has been a cherished part of the festival. She fondly remembers the dedication of people like Helen McMurphy, Andy Gayer and Paul Heidt having a pivotal part of the festival. She has really enjoyed working in the community, as being involved with people is important to her, even more now as she gets older, she said.

Thank you, Janis, for your tremendous contributions to our community, especially as one of the original supporters of the Fall Festival!