Janice Louise DeWester was born July 17, 1944, in Benkelman, Nebraska, to Everett and Louise (Hardwick) Stamm and departed this life on November 14, 2020, from her home in Wauneta, Nebraska, at the age of 76.
Jan was raised on a farm 12 miles northwest of Benkelman and attended District 36, a one room schoolhouse through the 8th 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 December 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, Nebraska, 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, Nebraska, 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, November 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 her mother-in-law, Wyonna Springer of Benkleman, Nebraska; daughters Michelle Harchelroad and Teresa (David) Wynn; a 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 & Tenley Morrison and Briar & Layne Brewer; her sister Anita (Laddie) Wilson of Olathe, Kansas; a sister-in-law, Carla Fassler; many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
Funeral services will be held Monday morning, November 23, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. CST at the Hamlet Union Church at Hamlet, Nebraska with David Wynn officiating. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date.
Visitation will be held on Sunday afternoon, November 22, 2020 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. MST at Liewer Funeral Home in Wauneta, Nebraska.
Memorials have been suggested to the Wauneta EMT's or the Wauneta Senior Center.