Janet Jo Rice, 85, of Crawfordsville passed away peacefully Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, at her home, surrounded by loved ones.
Janet was born March 4, 1935, at Wallace, to Ralph and Mildred (Rogers) Myers. She married the love of her life, Wilbur, on March 5, 1954, and they shared nearly 66 beautiful years together.
She is survived by their four children, Marla (James) Mack of Indianapolis, and Gary (Terri) Rice, Lisa (Terry) Powell and Greg (Linda) Rice, all of Crawfordsville; two siblings, Joan and Jackie; eight grandchildren, Serah, Lindsay, Julie, Andy, Stacey, Steven, Cory and Madison; and 11 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; two siblings, Roger and Jeannine; and grandson Joshua.
Janet was a homemaker for many years, while also doing the bookkeeping and management for the many income properties she and Wilbur owned together. She eventually ventured out into real estate and was an agent for various companies until she settled in at Morris Davis Realty. She sold real estate there for more than 25 years until her retirement.
Outside of work, Janet enjoyed traveling, antiquing, cooking, reading, interior decorating and spending countless hours watching any of her nine grandchildren. She could often be found bouncing a baby on her hip, cuddling a small child on her lap or cheering one of them on at a sporting or school event. Janet was one of the kindest, most gracious and generous souls you would ever meet. She loved opening her home to others and making sure they had something delicious to eat. She was adventurous and traveled all over the world, sightseeing and learning about other cultures. More than anything, she selflessly served and loved her family.
Although her loved ones are deeply saddened, they are encouraged and comforted by the knowledge that Janet is with the Lord and they will see her again someday. It has been their privilege to love and be loved so well by her for so many years.
A private family service will be held Wednesday, Jan. 27 at Burkhart Funeral Home. Those wishing to view the service virtually can do so at 5 p.m. via Facebook live on Burkhart’s page. A memorial celebration and military service will be held graveside at Oak Hill Cemetery this spring prior to the burial of Janet and Wilbur together.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Brain Foundation or National Kidney Foundation.
