Janice Jean Jester Ellson went to heaven on January 3rd, 2021 at the age of 95.
Janice was born to Pauline and Ott Jester on August 30th, 1925 in Mooreland, Indiana. She enjoyed growing up with her parents and grandparents on their family farm. Growing up on the farm taught this country girl lifelong lessons, the importance of hard work, and helped her grow into a strong woman.
In 1936 Janice met her husband, William Lester Ellson, at Mooreland School. He would court her by writing love notes and giving her rides on the handlebars of his bicycle. They married December 22nd, 1946 and were married 73 years.
In addition to being a dedicated and loving wife and mom, Janice also loved her 13 grandchildren, 26 (soon to be 28) great grandchildren, and her 5 great great grandchildren. When she wasn’t helping run the family business, Ellson Excavating, she was often found embroidering, tatting, sewing, cooking, reading, watching westerns (specifically John Wayne) or loving on her Himalayan cats and Yorkshire Terrier dogs.
Janice was hardly ever seen without a cup of coffee, no matter the time of day – maybe that’s what made her such a lively, spirited woman. She was full of life, always joking, and had a contagious smile and laugh. Janice’s spunkiness continued with her style. She was always on the lookout for unique items; something different for herself or loved ones. You could count on her to surprise you, whether it be her wittiness or an unplanned visit, but you also knew she would be there to listen; to offer honest advice and understanding.
Janice is preceded in death by her parents, husband, eldest son, one grandson, and one great granddaughter.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Service may be viewed live stream on the Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service website 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 7, 2021. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leukemia Research Foundation, 191 Waukegan Road, Suite 105, Northfield, IL 60093-2744, American Heart Association, 300 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60606-6637 or American Parkinson Disease Association, P.O. Box 61420, Staten Island, NY 10306. You may express condolences or share a memory of Janice at www.hinsey-brown.com.