Janice Wood, 61, was born to Ralph and Fay Zirschky Dean, on Jan. 5, 1951, in her grandma Zirschky’s home at Huggins. She passed away June 19, 2012, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield after battling respiratory problems during her lifetime.
She attended grade school at Logan, a one-room schoolhouse, and graduated from Houston High School in 1968.
She married the love of her life, Fred Wood, on March 28, 1970. The thing they enjoyed the most in life was being together and having each others company. They were hardly ever apart during the 42 years of marriage, only in sickness.
Janice was a member of the Houston Herald staff nearly 30 years before retiring. She enjoyed her job and loved the people she worked with and thought of them as family.
Janice and Fred enjoyed traveling. They planned frequent trips — oftentimes to attend a classic car show. Route 66 was another one of their passions. They drove along it many times behind the wheel of their restored historic vehicle.
They especially enjoyed a trip they took to Alaska.
Janice had a special interest in community and family history and volunteered with the Texas County Genealogical and Historical Society. She was an organizer, often pitching in to plan a reunion or help with the area custom car club.
And then there were the yard sales: There was nothing Janice liked better than checking them out and the jubilation of finding a bargain. It was a favorite pastime, and it fit another one of her traits — she was thrifty. When it came time for the Herald employee yard sale, Janice oversaw the endeavor. She loved it.
Janice was a perfect example of a true Christian, whose kindness and compassion were always on display. She enjoyed all people. The Lord knows best, but for those who knew her, she left a big hole in the hearts of us left behind until the day we will get to see her again, as promised by the Lord.
Janice was preceded in death by her father, Ralph Dean; and brother-in-law, Richard Clark.
She is survived by her husband, Fred of Houston; her mother, Fay Dean of Houston; three sisters, Virginia Clark of Houston, Wanda Pointer and her, husband, Bob, of Republic and Donna Robertson and her husband, Mike, of Bendavis; one brother, Donald and his wife, Cleta, of Houston; three nieces, Angela Brooks, Jennifer Douglas and Sarah Shelton; and three great-nieces and three great-nephews.
Services were 11 a.m. Saturday, June 23, at Souls Harbor Family Worship with the Rev. Shirley Turner and the Rev. Cordie Wimberley officiating. Pallbearers were Fred Wood, Tom Wood, Marshall Dean, Reggie Cole, Brad Gentry and Paul Fockler. Honorary Pallbearer was Russel Dean. Burial was in the Rock Springs Cemetery near Bendavis, near where the family was raised. Services were under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Texas County Hospice of Care or Rock Springs Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.evansfh.com.
