Janice L. West, age 78, of Berea and formerly of Marion, died Wednesday evening, November 2, 2011, at the Southwest General Hospital following an extended illness.
On August 14, 1933, Janice was born in Kenton, Ohio, the only daughter of four of the late Omer and Marcella (Mitchell) Garnes. She was raised in Findlay, Ohio, and graduated from Findlay Senior High School in the Class of 1952. She had also attended the University of Toledo.
Shortly after leaving college, Janice married the love of her life, Donald M. West, on March 26, 1955, in Findlay. She then moved to Marion, Ohio, where he had been raised. Together they shared nearly 48 years of marriage and lovingly raised two children, Marc and Donice. He preceded her in death on March 3, 2003.
After working at Fulfillment and the Harding Hotel, the Marion City School System created a job for Janice that she had already been doing on her own. She was a community liason and community leader to help be “the bridge” for impoverished children in need of food, clothing and shelter. She served the children of the Marion community for over 20 years, until her retirement. After retirement, Janice worked for the Community Action Center’s RSVP program.
A woman of faith, Janice was an active member of the Emanuel Lutheran Church, where she had served as a delegate for the National Lutheran Conventions. She also served as a greeter and had attended many bible studies.
An excellent cook, Janice “knew how to handle a kitchen” and how to make a family get together special. She was also famous for her macaroni and cheese dish they would literally call her “famous” dish.
Having “a passion for football”, Janice was known for her “Buckeye Bathroom”. She avidly rooted for her beloved Ohio State Buckeyes and Cincinnati Bengals.
Known for her competitiveness, Janice loved playing all types of cards games and most especially enjoyed playing euchre and poker with her family and friends. She also was a member of the Bridge Club and loved playing bingo. This competitive streak also led her to love watching Jeopardy, as she tried to be the first one to answer every question.
With a love for traveling, Janice and Donald enjoyed the many cruises they went on and their trip to Alaska. They also loved traveling to Texas to see their daughter, Donice, and their beloved grandsons, Weston and Isaac, whom she adored. She also enjoyed making pottery and ceramics, and collecting bells.
With her fun loving and engaging personality, Janice quickly turned acquaintances into friends. Her quick wit also kept everyone laughing, as she had an excellent sense of humor.
Having a heart of gold, Janice will be most fondly remembered for her dedication to the her family, the children of the Marion community, and her church. She could always be counted on and she “never missed anything” the people she loved were involved in.
She will be dearly missed by her two children: Donice (Michael) Arrington of Desoto, Texas and D. Marc (Detra) West of Berea, Ohio; two grandsons: Weston and Isaac Arrington; two great grandchildren: Kadence and Payton Arrington; a brother, John Garnes of Marion; and many nieces and nephews.
Including her husband and parents, Janice was preceded in death by her two brothers: William and David Garnes.
The West family will greet friends from 5 – 7 p.m. on Monday, November 7, 2011, at the Denzer-Farsion-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services honoring her life will be held on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Emanuel Lutheran Church, 241 S. Prospect St., Marion, with Pastor Mark Schuring officiating. Burial will follow in Marion Cemetery.
Rather than flowers, Janice requested that memorial contributions be made to the Ohio State University, c/o Minority Scholarship Fund, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, or to the American Diabetes Association, and they may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
The Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Janice’s family, and condolences may be expressed to them online by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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