Janice Bortz Obituary | Grandon Funeral & Cremation Care

Jan Bortz graveside service click link. vimeo.com/439764026
Live Stream Link for Jan's Funeral Service youtu.be/-N3E02-vDCo

Janice (Jan) Bortz, age 81, of Ames, Iowa, passed away at Northcrest Retirement Community in Ames on July 12, 2020, after a courageous battle with cancer. A gathering of friends and family for her celebration of life will take place at 1:30 p.m. on July 12, 2021, at First United Methodist Church, Ames, Iowa, followed by a light reception in the multipurpose room.

Janice Elaine Shepherd was born March 6, 1939, in Bethesda, Ohio, the daughter of Keenan "Dick" and Helen (Price) Shepherd. She graduated from Bethesda Ohio High School. Jan then became a bookkeeper and keypunch operator in Columbus, Ohio, where she met her husband, Walter. They married on June 1, 1963. When the couple started a family, Jan became a full-time homemaker, wife and mother. They moved around as Walt finished his degrees before they arrived in Ames in 1971. She was the Treasurer for First United Methodist Church for four years and then became bookkeeper for Ames Golf and Country Club for nine years.

Jan will be remembered for her willingness to help and her dedication to First United Methodist Church; serving as head usher for both services for a number of years, a Communion steward, a United Methodist Women member, and choir member. Some of her greater joys came by doing something for someone else when it was least expected. She loved to entertain or bake and share with her friends and other residents.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, infant brother, Tommy, and her husband, Walt, of 48 years. Jan is survived by her daughters; Elaine (David), Diane, and Cheryl; three grandchildren Savannah, Jacob, and Julian; and a brother, Reverend William (Alice).

Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com

Diane on Jul 23, 2020

Thank you to all for sharing the beautiful words of encouragement, love and stories about my mom. Her involvement in church and community was diversely widespread. Personally, she readily offered many her words of wisdom and HELPFUL HINTS FROM JANICE💓😂😂🤣
My sisters and I have been blessed to be embraced by her friends with an amazing network of support and strength. Throughout her battle, they brought her so much joy and laughter for which we are endlessly grateful💓

Diane Bortz on Jul 23, 2020

Thank you to all for sharing the beautiful words of encouragement, love and stories about my mom. Her involvement in church and community was plentiful and diversely widespread. Beyond the community, she continued to offer insights through her many words of wisdom and HELPFUL HINTS FROM JANICE💞🤣
My sisters and I have been blessed to be embraced by her friends with an amazing network of support and strength. Throughout her battle, they brought her so much joy and laughter for which we are endlessly grateful💓

Diane Bortz on Jul 23, 2020

Jill Johnson on Jul 19, 2020

It is with great sadness that I see that your beloved Mother has passed. I always looked forward to seeing both of your parents at the office. And the friendship that developed was very real. Please know my Memories are wonderful. May you find Comfort and Peace. Thinking of all three of you women and your families❤️

Fran & Larry Bauer on Jul 16, 2020

Our sympathy to you 3 girls in the loss of your mother, a wonderful woman! She fought such a good fight without complaint. Don't know if I could have done that! I'm glad she's no longer suffering and is at peace. She seemed very peaceful the last time I talked to her right before she passed. Will be thinking of you on Sunday and for sure will watch that service when it's available online. I need closure. You all are in our prayers--
Love,
Fran & Larry Bauer

Buddy & Lee Helton on Jul 16, 2020

“A mother is with us always, first in her lifetime, then forever in our memory." I knew your mom through her emails we shared. A lovely woman who loves her family. So thankful for the care she received during her time at Northcrest.
Our thoughts and prayers surround "all of you".

Susie Petra on Jul 15, 2020

My heart hurts for Janice's daughters. Losing both parents is unsettling enough; becoming the eldest generation, is an additional shock. Care for one another.

Susie Petra

Jan & Andy Cooley on Jul 15, 2020

Our sincere condolences to our daughter-in-law Elaine and her sisters, Diane and Cheryl. Jan was a wonderful person. We had the pleasure of meeting her and Walt at Elaine and David's wedding.

Jacquelyn Smith on Jul 15, 2020

Our prayers and sympathy are with Jan's family. I enjoyed working with Jan on many projects at First Methodist Church. We enjoyed both Jan and Walt in our 9 to dine group at the church also. She was a wonderful woman and will be missed. Sincerely Jackie and Ron Smith