Janice Kay Prior

Janice Kay Prior, 77, rural Peru, passed away Saturday morning, February 10, 2018, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family.

 
Born September 7, 1940, in Macy, Indiana, she was the daughter of Deverl N. "Dee" Van Dalsen and Margaret Lucille Fitzpatrick Van Dalsen.  On February 28, 1960, at the Macy United Methodist Church, she was married to James O. Prior, and he survives.

Jan was a 1958 graduate of Rochester High School.  She was an avid bowler, I.U. Basketball Fan, and enjoyed playing and coaching softball. She was a dedicated and loving parent and grandmother, never missing a family event or ballgame.   Jan enjoyed heading to the casinos and impressing dealers and spectators with her keen Blackjack skills.  For many years, Jan and Jim enjoyed spending their winter months in Bullhead City, Arizona, and she enjoyed hosting both family and friends for the holidays, where everyone could enjoy her famous homemade noodles.  Jan was gifted with the spirit of friendliness and never met a stranger.  She was always the last to leave family gatherings and sporting events, taking advantage of each and every moment she was able to spend with others.   For several years she worked for Berko Electric and Classic Carriage, and most recently had been helping her daughter, Lori, with her business, Sno Place Like Home, serving up their famous grilled tenderloins.  

Jan leaves behind her loving family, including her husband, Jim O. Prior, Peru; three children, Troy (Lisa) Prior, Denver; Lori (Mark) Rusie, Peru; and Missy (Jeff) Woolever, Walton; and one brother, Harry D. Van Dalsen, Macy.  

She was the proud grandmother of four, Ashley Rusie; Jenna (Justin) Williams, Logansport; Justin O. Prior and companion Jackie Paul, Avon; and Alison Rusie and companion Andrew Golliher, Denver.  She loved her two great-grandchildren, Owen James Prior and Jaxon Matthew Williams, and was anxiously awaiting the arrival of a third great-grandchild. Also surviving are four step-grandchildren, Jake (Laura) Woolever, Fulton; Erin (Joe) Deichman, Logansport; Matt (Amber) Woolever, Galveston; Courtney (Mat) Metcalf, Walton; and nine step great-grandchildren, Tyler Murray, Clay Deichman, Cassie Deichman, Gavin George, Aleigha Rodabaugh, Tucker Woolever, Tenley Woolever, Beckley Woolever, and Reagan Cruz Woolever, along with the expected arrival of Baby Metcalfe.  Jan would look forward to each Thursday when Missy would bring Reagan and Jaxon over to visit. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and one granddaughter, Ashley Rusie. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 14, 2018, at McClain Funeral Home, Denver, with Pastor Eric Alwine and Pastor Robert Stuck officiating.  Burial will follow in Westlawn Cemetery, Denver, Indiana.  

Visitation will be from 2-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.  

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Jan's caretakers for their excellent and loving care: Lynn Babb, Anne Paige, Markie Richards, and the staff of Premier Hospice.  

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