Jan Little

We called her Mom, Grandma, and Gigi—but everyone else called her Jan. She was born on September 6, 1934, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Fay and Marie Wymore.

Jan married the love of her life, H.A. “Red” Little, who worked in the oil industry for Phillips Petroleum. After a few years living in Omaha and welcoming their first three daughters—Chris, Sandi, and Judi—they embraced small-town life and moved to Pierce, Nebraska, where they opened Arenjay Phillips 66 gas station. Jan managed the home and helped Red run the station. Their fourth daughter, Kathi, was born in 1971 and completed their family.

Jan dedicated her life to her family. She lovingly raised her daughters and played a significant role in helping to raise her granddaughters, Faye and Megan, both before and after the passing of their mother, Chris. She was an excellent cook (except she disliked making lunch for Red every day), played bridge til the wee hours, and cheered on all sports—especially Husker football (unless they were losing.) As a proud 50-year member of the Pierce community, she was active in civic and church organizations and touched many lives with her kindness and humor.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Red (12/15/93), her sweet daughter, Chris (5/1/08), and her loving granddaughter, Elisa (3/27/20).

Jan is survived by her daughters, Sandi Dawson (Bob Davis), Judi Little, and Kathi Marshall (Damien).

She also leaves behind four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, cherished nephews, and many friends. Jan was spicy and sassy to the very end. She loved being surrounded by family, going out to eat, and having breakfast in the park. Just this July, she joined the entire family for a vacation to Branson—even getting in the swimming pool.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to CHI Hospice for their compassionate care during Jan’s final days.

A private celebration of life will be held at a future date when the family can be together.

In lieu of flowers, Venmo memorials to: Sandi Dawson (@Sandi-Dawson). A donation will be made in her memory to the Gilman Park Arboretum in Pierce, Nebraska—a place dear to Jan and her family.