Janice DeWester
Janice Louise DeWester was born July 17, 1944, in Benkelman, Nebraska, to Everett and Louise (Hardwick) Stamm.
Jan was raised on a farm 12 miles northwest of Benkelman and attended District 36, a one room schoolhouse through the eighth grade. She boarded in town during her high school years and graduated from Benkelman High School in 1962. She went on to attend her first year of college at Colorado State in Greeley, Colorado. She transferred to Chadron State College the following year.
On Dec. 14, 1963, she married Gary Lynn DeWester. To this union were born Kimberly Lynn (stillborn), Michelle Louise, Teresa Lynn, and Chad Everett.
The couple remained in Chadron until Gary graduated from college. They moved to Ruskin, where they started their family. During their time in Ruskin they made many wonderful friendships that have lasted for years. In 1974 Gary and Jan moved to Wauneta, where she permanently resided.
Jan gave her life to Jesus as a young girl attending summer Bible School at the Pleasant Valley Church a couple miles northeast of her home. Later in life she was baptized in the Frenchman River west of Wauneta.
Love for her family was first place to everything she did. She raised her kids to love Jesus and encouraged them to live their faith every day. She was caring, kind and encouraging, always reflecting the light of hope that was within her. In word and deed she honored the Lord and leaves that legacy to her kids and grandkids.
Jan passed away Saturday morning, Nov. 14, 2020, at her home in Wauneta, surrounded by her family. She was 76 years of age.
Jan was preceded in death by her parents; husband Gary; father-in-law Bud DeWester; daughter Kimberly; son-in-law Brian Harchelroad; and brother-in-law Kim Fassler.
Survivors include mother-in-law Wynona Springer, of Benkelman; daughters Michelle Harchelroad and Teresa (David) Wynn; son Chad (Jennifer) DeWester; grandchildren Dawnta (Jeff) Morrison, Baleigh (Colton) Brewer, Sydnee Harchelroad, Grant Wynn, Dalton Harchelroad, Camden DeWester, and Maggie DeWester; great-grandchildren Tatum and Tenley Morrison, Briar and Layne Brewer; sister Anita (Laddie) Wilson, of Olathe, Kansas; sister-in-law Carla Fassler; many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Funeral services will be held Monday, Nov. 23, 2020, 11:30 a.m. (CT) at the Hamlet Union Church of Hamlet with David Wynn officiating. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date.
Visitation will be held Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, 4-6 p.m. (MT) at Liewer Funeral Home in Wauneta.
Memorials have been suggested to the Wauneta EMTs and Wauneta Senior Center
Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com.
Liewer Funeral Home of Wauneta is entrusted with arrangements.