Janice DeWester

Janice DeWester

July 17, 1944 - Nov. 14, 2020

WAUNETA, Neb. — Janice Louise DeWester was born July 17, 1944, in Benkelman, Neb., to Everett and Louise (Hardwick) Stamm and departed this life on Nov. 14, 2020, from her home in Wauneta 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 eighth 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, Colo. She transferred to Chadron State College the following year.

On Dec. 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, Neb., 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, 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, Nov. 14, 2020, at her home in Wauneta, surrounded by her family.

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 mother-in-law, Wynona Springer of Benkelman, Neb.; daughters, Michelle Harchelroad and Teresa (David) Wynn; 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 and Tenley Morrison, Briar and Layne Brewer; sister, Anita (Laddie) Wilson of Olathe, Kan.; sister-in-law, Carla Fassler; many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be Monday morning, Nov. 23, 2020, 11:30 a.m. (CT), at the Hamlet Union Church of Hamlet, Neb., with David Wynn officiating. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date.

Visitation will be Sunday afternoon, Nov. 22, 2020, 4 to 6 p.m. (MT), at Liewer Funeral Home in Wauneta.

Memorials are suggested to the Wauneta EMTs and Wauneta Senior Center

Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com

Liewer Funeral Home of Wauneta entrusted with arrangements.