Janice Kay Klein (9-10-1941 to 5-5-2023) -
Janice (Jan) passed away Friday evening in Rome, GA after a long battle with diabetes and liver cancer. She was a remarkable lady with a seemingly unending supply of energy and an infectious spirit that brightened those fortunate to have known her. She was caring and pleasantly positive with a great sense of humor while also creative, bright, and protective of her family.
Jan was married to her husband John for almost 62 years and raised two sons while also working full time. She also played a major role in bringing up her grandson. Jan was very giving, yet humble. She donated money to charities and volunteered her time to assist in supporting various efforts. She did this without seeking any recognition or acclaim. She simply enjoyed helping others.
Mom grew up a farm girl in Central Michigan, the daughter of Ronald and Dana Shepler where she learned her values of hard work and compassionate care. She gained a love of animals that she kept her entire life. She always cared for her pets with a great amount of love and devotion.
Jan’s experiences took her from growing up in Michigan to living in Washington, D.C. where she met her husband John Francis Klein, who was serving in the U.S. Navy when the two met. The couple moved back to central Michigan following the end of service obligation, where they lived for another 20 years before moving to Georgia in 1986. Jan and John eventually moved to Rome, GA in 1991 where they stayed for the remainder of their lives. Mom displayed her talents in a variety of fields that included working on a farm, serving as a secretary to an attache in the Pentagon, and working as a bank teller.
Jan enjoyed walking her dogs and spending time outdoors. She was very skilled at growing beautiful flowers that she kept in her well-maintained yard. She took pride in keeping a clean house and enjoyed cooking and spending time with her family. Her greatest attribute was the love and selfless devotion she showed in caring for her family. Wherever she was living, she always made her house feel like home.
Surviving members of Jan’s family are saddened by the loss of her presence, but we are encouraged by the fact that she is now reunited with loved ones that passed before her. These include her husband John Francis and her daughter Jodi; her parents Ronald and Dana Shepler; her brothers Ernie and Marvin Shepler, her sister Diana Markley, her brothers in law Doug Fixx, Paul Lazarski, and Richard Klein; and her sister-in-law Joyce Klein. She is survived by her sons John Steven and James Klein; her grandson John David (Hannah) Klein; her brother Ron (Joyce) Shepler; her brothers in law Russell Markley, Larry Klein, and Paul Klein (Kim); and her sisters in law Helen Shepler, Mary Klein, Mary Ann Fixx, Arlene Lazarski, and Joanie Ettipio (Carl).
Jan’s enduring spirit will live on until we can all join together once again.
