Jan Ills

Janice Jean Ills of Austin, Texas, age 82, passed from this life into eternal life on January 4, 2026, at 9:59 a.m. After a courageous battle with cancer, she is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, free from suffering and at rest in His care.

Jan was born on March 10, 1943, in Louisville, Kentucky to Edna and Hugh Ludwick. She attended Shawnee Elementary School and Portland Christian School, where she graduated in 1961. While studying nursing at Norton Memorial Infirmary, she met Lyle Ills, an engineer working at General Electric. Jan completed her nursing education in 1964, and on November 21 of that year, she and Lyle were married at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Louisville.

Jan began her career as a floor nurse at Norton Memorial Infirmary. Soon afterward, she worked in Dallas at Gaston Episcopal Hospital, followed by operating room work in Houston. In 1975, Jan and Lyle moved to Austin where she was employed at St. David’s Hospital as an operating room nurse and developed an affinity for neurosurgery. After retiring from St. David’s, she continued working independently as a registered nurse first assistant until her full retirement in 2009.

In addition to her passion for nursing, Jan loved the outdoors, especially the water. In her younger years, she taught swimming and served as a nature trail guide. She enjoyed playing softball, camping, boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, yardwork, needlepoint, science fiction, and true to her roots, horse racing. In retirement, Jan fulfilled her dream of world travel, visiting China, Costa Rica, Iceland, Italy, Nicaragua, Patagonia, Peru, the Amazon, South Africa, Thailand, the Holy Land, and Uganda. One of her most memorable experiences was visiting the Galapagos Islands with her family to see the giant tortoises and other exotic wildlife. In her later years, Jan remained active through participation in Tai Chi, yoga, bridge, and water volleyball. She also loved music, which brought her joy throughout her life.

Jan’s faith in Jesus Christ was a central and guiding part of her life. She loved doing the Lord’s work and volunteered as a driver, transporting patients to medical appointments. She was also a devoted volunteer at Hill Country Ministries’ food pantry and thrift store and participated in medical missions, where she was able to combine her faith and nursing skills to serve others. She lived out her calling with humility and diligence, reflecting the words of Colossians 3:22: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Motivated by a love of learning and a desire to engage more deeply with Scripture, she took on the personal challenge of studying Greek at Concordia University. She found great comfort and assurance in Psalm 23. Jan was a faithful member of Hill Country Bible Church and deeply appreciated her Bible study small group.

Jan was preceded in death by her infant son, Benjamin Adam Ills; her parents, Edna Lee Green Ludwick and Hugh Thurmond Ludwick; and her husband of 43 years, Lyle Luther Ills. She is survived by her son, Joshua Lyle Ills; her daughter, Rebecca Ann Nelson, and son-in-law, John Nelson; grandson, Jack Nelson and his wife Chase, and grandsons Luke and Will Nelson. She is also survived by her brother, Berk Ludwick, and his wife, Brenda; her brother-in-law, Wayne Ills and his wife, Lynn; and her sister-in-law, Mary Ills; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to MD Anderson Cancer Center https://mdanderson.org or Doctors Without Borders http://give.doctorswithoutborders.org.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 6, 2026, at Lakeview Bible Church, located at 4310 N Quinlan Park Rd, Austin, TX 78732. The service will begin at 10:30 am.