Janet Ruth Prior

April 30, 1943- July 5, 2023
Janet Ruth Prior, 80, of Imperial, passed away Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at St. Anthony Hospital in Denver (Lakewood), Colorado.
Born April 30, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Janet was the second child of Everett and Elizabeth (Williams) Sommer, originally of North Loup and Scotia, Nebraska. Following her birth, her father’s work led to several moves that brought the young family back to Nebraska, where they settled in Lincoln. It was there Janet grew up and graduated from Northeast High School in 1961.
She then began her college education, attending her first two years at York University (né College) in York. At York, her campus activities included being a member of and traveling with the a cappella Chorus. In spring, 1963, she was honored as Miss York College, completed, and was awarded the associate of arts degree.
In fall 1963, Janet began upper-class studies at Harding University (ne College in Searcy, Arkansas. She completed the bachelor’s degree in spring 1965, having majored in English and secondary education. She taught high school English in Onawa, Iowa, in 1965-1966.
On June 17, 1966, Janet married her York and Harding classmate Merlin Prior at the 56th and Vine Church of Christ in Lincoln. They moved to Imperial, where Merlin worked alongside Merlin’s parents, Wendell and Lila Prior, in the implement business. In fall 1966 Merlin and Janet moved to Fort Collins, Colorado. There Janet taught in Johnstown High School near Loveland, and Merlin began work toward, and completed, the master’s degree.
In 1968 Merlin and Janet moved back to Imperial, again working alongside Merlin’s parents in the implement business and building the farming and ranching operations.
They were blessed with 57 years of marriage and two children, Merlin Rex Prior II and Annette Ruth (Prior) French.
City girl turned Nebraska farmer-rancher’s wife, woman of deep faith, fun-loving and compassionate, Janet impacted the lives of many, through her values and shared faith, her love of people and community. Her many talents included teaching Bible classes, a love of music, flowers and gardening, and all things needle art. She taught sewing to 4-H Council and was a member of the local and regional University of Nebraska Extension Board. She made quilts for the high school graduations and marriages of her children and grandchildren; and works of needle art for the extended-family members, all the while maintaining the accounting records for the family business operations.
With children grown, Janet in 2009 began the next phase of her life journey as partner-owner of the New Generation Fabrics store, managing the Imperial fabric and gift shop until illness took her to the hospital in late April.
Janet is survived by her husband, Merlin; their children, Rex (Amy) Prior of Imperial and Annette (Jack) French of Dripping Springs, Texas; four grandchildren Lauren (Prior) Struckmeyer of Salina, Kansas, Kendall Prior of Imperial, Meghan French of Austin, Texas and Ethan French of Dripping Springs, Texas; her sister Sandra Sheldon of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and brother, Richard (Lori) Sommer of Portland, Oregon.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, Art Sheldon.
A funeral service will be at the Berean Church in Imperial, Saturday, July 15, 10:30 a.m. with burial and interment service following at Mount Hope Cemetery, Randy Hayes officiating.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Prior family for a later designation.
Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com.
Liewer Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.