Jan L. Scarbrough

Jan was a graduate of Western Kentucky University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in 1972 and her Master of Arts in 1974. She majored in English and minored in history, reflecting her lifelong love of poetry and Great Britain. While a member of Gamma Sigma Sigma at WKU, she met her first husband and the father of her two children, Brenna and John. She was a member of the Kentucky Colonels and Daughters of the American Revolution.

Jan began her career as an English teacher in Louisville before spending many years as a technical writer for Devoe Paint Company and Humana Healthcare. Her passion for English and history began in high school when she traveled to England to study. She returned home—much to her parents’ dismay—wearing miniskirts and as a devoted Beatles fan, with Ringo Starr as her favorite. Her father even took her to see the Beatles twice in concert in the United States.

After a significant health scare in her 40s, Jan created a bucket list of all she hoped to accomplish. Over the years, she fulfilled many of those dreams, including owning and showing horses, becoming a published author, and finding a lasting and happy marriage, just to name a few.

Jan was a devoted member of Christ Church United Methodist since 1984. She especially enjoyed attending Sunday school with the Friendship class and had a deep appreciation for the church choir, particularly the annual Christmas concerts.

Through a blind date arranged by a mutual friend, Jan met her soulmate, Bill Bloom. She often joked that she made Bill wait five years before marrying her. The two were wed on January 2, 2000, and shared a joyful life together. Through this union, Jan gained two beloved stepchildren, Dana and Mat.

An accomplished writer, Jan earned numerous awards for her work. She wrote uplifting romance novels with happily-ever-after endings, spanning settings from medieval times to the American West. Her stories—featuring rodeo stars, single mothers, and equestrians—reflected her belief that everyone deserves love. Later in her writing career, Bill played an important role as her publisher. Her books remain available for purchase on Amazon.

Animals were a lifelong passion for Jan. Over the years, she cared for hamsters, dogs, cats, and horses. She was a member of the Thoroughbred Racing Nation for more than 20 years and owned shares in several racehorses. She especially loved riding American Saddlebred horses and continued taking lessons into her 70s, as her health allowed. Jan also dedicated countless volunteer hours to Alley Cat Advocates, supporting Louisville’s stray cat community.

Her backyard in Louisville was a haven filled with bird feeders and flowers to attract birds and bees. She held a special fondness for ravens, hummingbirds and cardinals.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Gil and Nancy Scarbrough, and her husband, Bill Bloom.

She is survived by her daughter, Brenna Roth (Brian Hamilton); her son, John Freville (Michelle Davis); her stepchildren, Dana Wagner (Drew Wagner) and Mat Bloom (Nora Bloom); and her beloved grandchildren, Caleb, Devin, Cora, Liam, Will, Nathan, Luke, Harrison, Owen, and Emmett.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 4:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Arch L. Heady & Son at Westport Village, 7410 Westport Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40222.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Alley Cat Advocates at 3524 Newburg Road, Louisville, KY 40218 and Animal Care Society at 12207 Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40245.