Janice Carter

Janice W. Carter passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home in Pensacola, Florida of natural causes at the age of 91. This angel on earth was called home on January 3, 2025. Reunited with the love of her life, Richard L. Carter and the son she lost too soon Rik Carter, her parents George Edward and Naomi Meline Willard and siblings Ed Willard and Dolores Knutson.

Survived by her two daughters, Cher (Clyde Rogers) and Cathryn (Mark Partlow). 8 grandchildren: Mark and Megan Trullinger, Chase, Jake and Nicole Partlow, Cassie Walker, Emily and Quinn Carter, 7 great-grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

Janice was also blessed with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. This kept her busy with cards (always late), notes and clippings (usually funny), phone calls (that lasted for hours), and her infamous photo collages.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1933 and graduating from Ottumwa High School in 1951. She worked as a secretary while Richard attended Iowa State University. Next, becoming a mother of three where she was involved in all aspects of their lives. Sunday school, scouting, sports, and a neighborhood mom to all. Then came grandchildren. Always present for school activities and sporting events, trips to the Animal Rescue League, and sleepovers are still remembered joyfully.

Not only did she lovingly care for her own children, she had an in-home daycare for 21 years. “Jan’s Kids” is what the many children that were a part of our family dynamic were called. Jan never thought of this as a job, but a home away from home for the children in her care.

Scrabble was Jans' go-to game. She would play anytime, anywhere when one of us was willing. It started with her mother Naomi, and was passed on down the line. She was as patient teaching her grandchildren as her mother was teaching us.

Janice found fun and happiness in attending church, being a part of Merry Mixers, and TOPPS club. Organizing meetings and decorating for activities kept her active. You ladies know she loved those silly games and costumes. Her best friend also planned special outings each month, just for fun.

Living in Marshalltown, Iowa for 56 years came to an abrupt halt when the Covid-19 epidemic hit in 2020. Janice then split her remaining years living with each of her daughters. Her best known activity was coloring. She had plenty of those intricate design coloring books, but she took it to another level. She would see and create artworks by turning the obvious picture into something new. Then, often cut pieces out to make… you guessed it, collages. She never lost her creative mind.

Mom, Grams, Aunt Jan, and Friend will be greatly missed.

A service to celebrate Janice’s life is scheduled for Saturday, May 10, 2025 beginning at 10:30 A.M. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown, Iowa. Memorials in Janice’s name may be directed to the family for a later designation. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

-lovingly written by the family