Janice H. Pratchett

Having enjoyed an abundant, fulfilling and love-graced life, Janice Hunget Pratchett, age 97, died peacefully on Sunday, November 27, 2016 in San Antonio. Just months after WWI ended she was born to Roscoe and Olive (Sarchett) Hunget on their farm in Warren County, Iowa. The first of 7 children, she would learn life and leadership skills as the 'big' sister to four boys and two girls. Her mother taught her to cook and bake for a gang of healthy appetites, a talent she would delight her family with forever.

In 1936 she graduated from Spring Hill High School and then received an education degree from Simpson College. Jan loved teaching elementary school and to sharpen her skills attended a summer session at U of Co, Boulder in June 1941. There, fate would take her to a dance where a handsome Army officer Robert (Bob) Pratchett would hear her ask "this is a stag dance, may I have this dance?" A question and a dance that would seal a love at first sight and lifetime romance. Letters and one visit by Bob to Iowa to meet Jan's family would cement their relationship. But soon, on December 7, 1941, would come worry with the attack on Pearl Harbor where Bob was stationed. It would be many days before Jan learned he was thankfully safe. After Bob returned stateside they were married at Camp Hahn, Ca on November 1, 1942. Their first child, son Terry Alan, was born in Santa Monica in 1944.

Soon after, Bob would follow his father's footsteps to start a career with Paramount Films. His work took them to NYC, Caracas, Venezuela and finally to Havana, Cuba, his birthplace, where they lived until 1960. Two more children would complete their family with the births of Patricia Ann in 1948 and Richard Arthur in 1952. Living abroad and meeting people from across the globe fulfilled Jan's independent and adventurous spirit. In Cuba, she learned Spanish and became involved in many civic, school and social activities including community theatre, Sunday school, golf, bridge, and teaching at Ruston Academy where her children attended. A happy, full life was abruptly overturned on January 1, 1959 when Fidel Castro seized power in Cuba.

In mid-1960 the family fled to the US amid increasing suppression of civil liberties and the seizure of private property. While Bob explored employment, it was Jan who kept their spirits high and began working to help sustain their needs. In 1963 Bob rejoined the film industry taking them to Panamá where Jan began challenging and enjoyable work in Finance with DOD. She received the Army Commander's Award for Civilian Service for 'impeccable leadership, motivation and training' as Chief, Travel Section. Jan excelled in many ways but one that surprised even her was when from the 14th tee she hit a 'Hole-in-One' at Ft. Amador Golf Club on September 11, 1976! In 1980 she transferred to Ft Sam Houston before retiring in 1982.

Jan loved San Antonio and became an active volunteer with the Witte and SA Blood Bank. She and Bob enjoyed volkmarches, bridge, golf and travel. But more than anything she loved nurturing their growing family of grandchildren. She was heartbroken when her dear lifetime dance partner, Bob, preceded her in death in 1999 and again when her son, Richard, died unexpectedly in 2015. Jan is survived by her son, Terry and his wife, Linda; daughter, Patricia; nine grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; sister Marilyn Hunget Aulabaugh; brother Philip Hunget, and countless nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of Chandler Health Care for their dedicated and loving support for their mother and for themselves. Jan's life will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 27th at 4pm at Porter Loring Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the San Antonio Humane Society, www.sahumane.org or to the South Texas Blood Bank, www.southtexasblood.org