While our hearts are crushed, we rejoice in knowing her journey is just beginning. Can you imagine the laughter, celebrating, and joy that followed upon her arrival to her Heavenly home?
Jana was born June 1, 1943, in Winslow, Indiana. She was raised in the southern area of the state with her parents and sister until her teenage years. Her memories and stories from life in Indiana were endless - always full of laughter, church, food, being surrounded by family and multitudes of cousins.
As a young girl, Jana's lifelong struggle with her lungs began. Her health was fragile, and at the age of 14 her family relocated to Arizona in search of a drier climate.
The family moved several times throughout southern Arizona and eventually settled near Phoenix. Jana attended 5 different high schools and graduated from North High School in Phoenix.
Jana met her wonderful husband Rusty at Bethany Bible Church, and they were married in 1969. They soon began their family, and she was so proud to be a mother to a daughter and son, and later gained a son-in-law and daughter-in-law in 2003.
Rusty and Jana lived a committed life to each other and are truly the definition of a Godly marriage. Their support and love for each other has always been evident and such a beautiful example of what a marriage should be.
Full of life, love, and laughter seems an appropriate representation of her overall character. She loved to be the center of attention, but thrived on making others laugh, feel valued, special, and loved. She loved Jesus and strove to be a living example of His love.
If there was ever an opportunity for something to be a part of, she wanted in. Whether it was women's groups or events, helping at her children's school, participating and planning things at church - she was thrilled to be in the middle of it all.
In 1986 she was asked to be a clown for a fall festival at church and happily agreed - and Giggelz came to life. She embraced this new fun with a force, and created what she lovingly described as a clown ministry.
She went on to teach classes at church, sharing with others how to bring joy by clowning around, all while sharing the gospel. She enjoyed incorporating clowning into VBS at church, doing birthday parties, and any event she could.
In her spare time, she was the bookkeeper for the family plumbing business, until they retired to Prescott. She enjoyed that extra time with Rusty, and affectionately called herself “his bookie.”
Jana has always made friends quickly, and has an impressive circle who are incredibly special and dear to her heart.
She has always “collected” kids and has quite an accumulation of those she has loved and encouraged over the years.
The way she chose to handle her lifelong battles with various illnesses never ceases to amaze those of us closest to her.
She has been the bravest fighter, consistently remaining positive, rarely had complaints and always managed to smile.
Jana will forever be in our hearts.
Please feel free to share your memories, pictures, or stories below.
Thank you for being a part of her life.
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