Janice Ruth Burnett

Janice, 82 (Janice Ruth as she is affectionately called by her adored grandchildren, Gabrielle and Aaron) was born June 2, 1942 in Jacksonville, Illinois to Charles E. and Dora B. Beck, and is the oldest of three siblings (sister, Nancy and brother, Don). In the early years the Beck family resided in Midwest City, Oklahoma and in 1953, upon completion of her father’s medical training the family relocated to Lindsay, Oklahoma where he would serve as the town physician.

Janice began sixth grade in Lindsay. The Beck family lived on Tecumseh Street and one block over on Wheeler Street resided the Burnett family. Jimmy made his way over to the Beck residence, introduced himself to Janice, began a conversation and that’s when it happened – Janice invited Jimmy to go to church with her. Jimmy reports: “we walked to church every Sunday!” Janice and Jimmy were friends! (sidenote: both families eventually moved to W. Chickasaw Street).

As a teenager, Janice played the clarinet in the Lindsay marching band; was a member of the Rainbow Girls; worked at the municipal pool; and worked at her father’s medical clinic. Jimmy reports: “Janice entered a city-wide bicycle race competing against both boys and girls, and she won the grand prize (reflectors, bicycle seat, handlebar streamers, and a bell) . . .she was fast!” Side-note: Jimmy was her bicycle mechanic!

Janice and Jimmy married November 19, 1960. Their lives together extended beyond 63 years. The love, devotion, and care that Jimmy provided to Janice never wavered and all along this traveled path, he kept Janice laughing!

Janice is remembered by her family for her creativity and self-taught abilities in painting, pottery, sewing, quilting, jewelry-making, and everything else she had an idea to do; however, “everyone” remembers Janice as a connoisseur in clothing, shoes/boots, and fine jewelry along with her prowess in shopping! Janice found happiness in giving gifts. (Her granddaughter Gabrielle said it best: “If it wasn’t for Janice Ruth, I would have no jewelry! – I echo those sentiments, as well). Janice was active, ambitious and liked to be on the go. She worked at Star Pharmacy in the cosmetic department as a representative for the ‘Anita of Denmark’ cosmetic brand and later went to work as the assistant to Farmers Insurance district manager(s). Janice was a long-time active member of the Cleveland County Family YMCA and regularly participated in water exercise. Janice made many friends at the YMCA!

Janice is also remembered for how grounded and steadfast she was in her faith and Bible teachings along with her devotion to the wellbeing, success, and happiness of her grandchildren. Janice was a long-time active member at Bethel Baptist Church and participated in the choir, women’s Bible study, and youth group activities.

Janice is preceded in death by her father Charles E. Beck and her mother Dora B. Kirby, and is survived by her husband Jimmy Burnett of Norman, her daughter Gretchen Samuels and her husband Miguel Samuels of Norman, her son Mark Burnett and his wife Joni Burnett (Nathan and Nicole Nelson) of Oklahoma City, her grandchildren Gabrielle Samuels of Oklahoma City, Aaron Samuels of Irving, Texas, her sister Nancy Benson of Brunswick, Georgia, her brother Don Beck of Nashville, Tennessee, her sister-in-law Jan Shanahan and her husband Ed Shanahan and many nieces, nephews and extended relatives. Janice made an impact on the lives of others during her time on this earth and is now peacefully resting in her heavenly home, now free from her physical limitations. The love we have for you and our memories will carry us through.

Love, Gretchen

A visitation for Janice will be held Friday, September 20, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Primrose Funeral Service, 1109 North Porter Ave, Norman, OK 73071. A graveside service will occur Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Green Hill Cemetery, Lindsay, Lindsay, OK 73052.