Janice Elaine Sommerfeld

Janice was born on May 30, 1943, in Wray, Colorado, to Archie and Violet (Lorimer) Crouse. She was raised in Wray and graduated from Wray High School in 1961 as valedictorian of her class. During high school, she was active in many activities, including cheerleading and playing clarinet in the school band.

In 1961, she married her high school sweetheart, Keith Sommerfeld. Together they attended Colorado State College, now known as the University of Northern Colorado, where they pursued degrees in education. During her time in college, Janice participated in the CSC Honors Program, served as program chairman of the Pi Lambda Theta honorary, and was a member of the Lambda Sigma Tau honorary science fraternity and the math club. She graduated in 1965 and began a lifelong career dedicated to teaching and helping students succeed. Janice and Keith later divorced.

Janice taught at Revere High School in Ovid, Colorado, and later at Big Springs High School in Nebraska, where she eventually retired from full-time teaching. Her passion for education never faded, and even after retirement she continued teaching at Aims Community College, substitute teaching, and providing private tutoring.

Janice was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Greeley. She was also involved in the local coin club and TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly). She enjoyed searching for treasures at garage sales, thrift stores, auctions, and estate sales.

A lifelong learner and avid reader, Janice had many interests. She loved sewing and often made Barbie clothes for her daughters when they were young. She also enjoyed bowling and golfing and cherished the friendships she made through these activities.

Janice is survived by her daughters, Shelley (Russ) McKinstry and Andi (Robert) Arizmendi; her brothers, Richard Crouse, Floyd (Marla) Crouse, and Larry (Jerry) Crouse; grandchildren Vance McKinstry, Logan McKinstry, Nicole (Brian) McCaw, and Paige Arizmendi; and great-grandchildren Ben McKinstry, Nolan McKinstry, and Lincoln McCaw. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Violet Crouse, and her brothers, Bill and Raymond Crouse.

Visitation will be held on March 21, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Allnutt Funeral Service – Macy Chapel, 6521 W. 20th Street, Greeley, Colorado. A Celebration of Life will follow from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the same location.

Burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 3400 W. 28th St., Greeley, Colorado, at 11:30 a.m.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at The Greeley Village for the compassionate care they provided to Janice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Birdie Initiative which benefits Craig Hospital (www.thebirdieinitiative.org) or a charity of the donor's choice in Janice's memory.

Janice will be remembered for her dedication to education, her curiosity about the world, and the love she had for her family and community.