Jan Talley

Retired property manager Jan Talley of Midwest City, a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, died Oct. 28, surrounded by family, after a long illness. She served in roles of increasing responsibility at Great West Management in Oklahoma City over her 36-year career in business. Along with her husband, David, the two devoted themselves to managing the various business operations at Great West.

A memorial service is scheduled at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 7 at Fresh Start Community Church, 309 N Eastern Ave, Moore, OK 73160. A committal service is scheduled at 2:30 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, 2301 E Indian Hills Rd, Norman, OK 73071.

Janice Ann (Amrine) Talley was born in Oklahoma City on July 15, 1956, to Eddie D. Amrine and Ida Pauline (Pirkle) Amrine. From her first marriage came one son, Justin Matthew Salazar. After she married David Talley on September 23, 1994, she welcomed his daughter into her world, Terra (Talley) Argo.

Jan was a tenacious mother to her son, Justin, sometimes going it alone. She was fiercely loyal to her long-time friend and employer, Forrest White, for 36 years, working her way up from clerk to office manager and partner at Great West Management in Oklahoma City.

Among her many pastimes, Jan greatly loved birds, and she delighted in hearing them sing to her from the bird houses in the back yard. What brought her tremendous joy was her love and care for horses. She owned several in her life. To Jan, a good long trail ride was healing therapy.

Jan trusted in Christ Jesus for her salvation, even as she faced an agonizing, long battle against cancer and heart disease.

She enjoyed a variety of hobbies, trying her hand at painting, beading jewelry and other crafts. She also loved to fish – not so much to clean or cook them – but the quiet pleasure of being on the water with a fishing pole in her hand. She loved milling around garage sales, and to her friends the call came out to “go junking.” She was a good friend and listening ear to many.

About herself, she wrote that her favorite memories were sitting by a campfire at the family’s cabin on Lake Eufaula, enjoying the sunsets on the water, hosting friends and telling stories as the sun goes down. She wrote that her proudest moments were marrying David and when her grandchildren were born. She loved the work of history’s greatest artist, who painted sunsets in the most vivid colors and shades over the water.

Jan enjoyed cherished friendships with Donna Wheeler, Brenda Northcutt White, and her beloved horse barn friends. She formed a special bond with her pets, Panda and Cody.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents: Erick and Anna (Funnel) Pirkle, and Jack and Mary (Hicks) Amrine, as well as two brothers, Larry Dean Vassar and Gary Dean Amrine; and a sister, Karen Kay Dunkin.

Survivors include David Talley, of the home; a son, Justin Salazar, of Oklahoma City; a daughter and son-in-law, Terra and Barrett Argo of Norman; a sister, Debbie Amrine of Midwest City; and a brother and sister-in-law, Clarence and Sandi Vassar of Oklahoma City. Jan leaves behind five grandchildren: Susanna Blackburn, Moses Alvidrez, Briauna Salazar, Natalie Salazar, and Rylee Argo; as well as two great grandchildren: Noah Blackburn, Jr., and Adrian Alvidrez. She also is survived by a host of Talley in-laws and nephews and nieces.

Services are provided by Primrose Funeral Services, 1109 North Porter Ave, Norman, OK 73071. Flowers may be sent to Primrose in Jan’s honor. In lieu of flowers, friends may consider making a gift in Jan’s honor to Blaze’s Tribute Equine Rescue, 21701 E. Britton Road, Harrah OK 73045. This organization rescues and protects horses to foster loving bonds with humans.