Janice Annette Rhodes

It was sad to open the paper and see Jan had passed away. Her and the entire family were great friends to ours for many years as we had a common thread of being from the mid west. I babysat the kids for many years, had parties and barbecues. She was a great lady and mom. My prayers to you over the loss of your mom. They don't make them any better. ����

Dear

My Most Favorite Aunt Jan has always been my “most favorite aunt”. It all began at an early age when Jan played Barbie dolls with us. Soon we were indulged with the most creatively sewn Barbie doll clothes! It even included knitwear with great detail. The real fun began when my sister and I were invited to Salt Lake for the first time to experience the magic of skiing in the mountains. It started with our first plane trip. We were in 5th and 6th grade. What a thrill! Aunt Jan welcomed us with open arms right at the gate with a twinkle in her eye. Later I came to have a better understanding of that twinkle – possible mischief and adventure. We knew this would be the experience of a lifetime. Jan showered us with her delicious baked goods and laid out plans for our skiing adventure. She was as excited as we were to have a great time. We awoke early, dressed in layers and proceeded with packing our “special” lunches. It was an assembly of one delectable item after another and the best part – it culminated in two thermoses; one with a Bloody Mary mix and the other orange juice. Then there was that twinkle – she giggled while pouring a dollop of vodka in each one. Liquid courage she said. I was IN!! Off we went to ski our hearts out all morning ending with our lunches and beverages on the sunny slopes listening to the tunes of Willie Nelson. Does it get any better than this in 6th grade – or ever? On another occasion I flew out to Salt Lake to help Aunt Jan during the summer months while she was pregnant with Rebecca. Ah, more fun to be had. After a thorough vacuuming of the entire house, off I went with my four male cousins walking distance to a club pool, armed with packed lunches – no special beverages. In my Aunt Jan’s spare time, she took reupholstering classes and went ahead and reupholstered all of her living room furniture. That happened along with sewing drapes and refurbishing blinds. In the evening after dinner she packed up and left for her job for the Census Bureau knocking on doors to take census information. When the kids were grown and left home she nurtured one of her favorite passions, painting. Jan was an impressive artist! She joined classes and made many lifelong friendships. She was on a bowling league; she reveled in the tranquility of fishing on her favorite lake in the mountains; she took long walks with her close friend Sheila. Her life was rich. When Uncle Herb required more care later in life Jan worked hard to keep him home as long as possible. Over the years our friendship deepened. We spoke on the phone often. We visited each other. I treasured our time together and I knew how lucky I was to have this special, amazing woman in my life. Jan was a fighter! I never saw anyone work as hard as she did following a stroke. She impressed the entire physical therapy department. Jan’s most difficult hardship was her move from her lifelong home and friendships. Jan was feisty about her independence; she cherished it. She knew the move was necessary and transitioned to the best of her ability. She was grateful to her kids and worried she was a burden to Rebecca, her daughter. She made the best of it. Jan and I spoke often about the importance of quality of life vs quantity. She and I reflected on this important aspect. We always found some humor in the messiness of life. Jan left this world the way she wanted to. She hoped to see all of her loved ones she missed. I know she is in a better place, but oh, how I miss her. My dear, sweet mom misses her everyday like I do. So Jan, you were my best friend. I love you and will cherish all the joy you gave me. - Delia Sonnenburg