Janelle Marie Ladd

Janelle Marie Ladd, beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away peacefully with family and friends at her side on April 2, 2016 after a brave battle with ALS. Jan, a longtime resident of Windsor and Fort Collins, CO, lived with her daughter, Mackenzie, who cared for her until Berthoud Living Center became her home away from home.

Jan was born on May 3rd, 1955 in Durango, Colorado to William Conrad and Helen Lucille Horther. She graduated from Durango High School in 1973. By 1978, she became a devoted housewife and mother as well as a child care provider. Jan was happiest raising her four children, taking care of all her animals and opening her home to as many people as possible. Later in life, she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at Colorado State University. Jan was always invested in helping others in her field of work. Soon after, Jan waited tables at Red Lobster and cared for her grandchild, Torin. She later pursued her passion of cooking when she became a chef at King Soopers Deli.

Jan was the fourth of seven children. She had a charismatic personality, lighting up the room at any celebration or event. Everyone knew where to find her just by listening for her boisterous voice and laughter. She was a friend to everyone and always eager to get to know anyone she met. Jan was a beautiful woman with a beautiful smile that captured the eye of many. But Jan’s true beauty was the warmth of her heart and her ability to make others feel loved. Anyone who met Jan fell in love with her within moments.

Jan was a second mother to many. Her favorite times were spent cooking, laughing hysterically, winning at card games, catching the biggest fish and caring for anyone in need. She always said that her true wealth came when her fridge and home were full. Jan had a huge presence in her children and grandchildren’s lives. She relished family time and considered it her most significant blessing. Her favorite saying to express her love was, “I love you to the moon and stars and back.” Despite her devastating disease, Jan continued to touch the lives of those around her with her positive attitude and strength to fight to the very end.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Doug and David Horther, and the father of her children, Thomas Ladd. She is survived by her four children, Ryan Ladd (Lindsey) of Brighton, CO, Danielle Ladd of Windsor, CO, Robert Ladd (Laura) of Windsor, CO, and Mackenzie Ladd of Fort Collins, CO; seven grandchildren who adored their “Ya Ya” from oldest to youngest: Cassius, Torin, Amara, Austyn, Jada, Nova and Kaden; by her sisters, Beverly Mignerey (Art) of Anthem, AZ, Lorie Horther (Herb Heitzman) of Bermuda Dunes, CA, Ellen Horther (John Schaefer) of Guerneville, CA and brother Joe Wismann-Horther of Centennial, CO; nieces and nephews, Susan (Chad) Ava and Tessa Larkin, Carey Mignerey, Isa (Matt), Lia and Ian Wismann-Horther, Scott Ladd, Tony (Sarah) Quentin, Brody and Brooklyn Ladd, Anna (Nate) and Dean Pearcy, James Ladd. She is also survived by special friends: Linda, SarahJean, Diane, Lois, Patte, Mary Beth, Donna, Dave and DeAnn; all of Jan’s friends at Berthoud Living Center and so many more whose lives were touched by their friendship with Jan.

A memorial celebration of Jan’s life will be held at First Christian Church, 2000 N. Lincoln Ave. Loveland, CO on her birthday May 3rd, 2016 at 11 a.m. A lunch and reception will follow the service. Jan requested that everyone wear lavender, purple, blue, white or something colorful for her celebration. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The ALS Association (10855 Dover St., Ste 500, Westminster, CO 80021 (303)832-2322), The ALS Foundation (alsa.org) in memory of Jan.

The family wishes to thank all the doctors, staff, caregivers, and Halcyon Hospice Team for the care they provided for Jan as she battled with the progression of ALS through the final days leading up to her passing. The family wishes to also thank all the family members and special friends who loved and supported Jan and her loved ones during this difficult time. Thank you all. We love you to the moon and stars and back.