Janice Loree Gant
October 29, 1937 – April 10, 2013
Janice Loree Gant, 75, of Edmond, Okla. was born October 29, 1937 in Deer
Creek/Edmond, Okla. to Reuben and Elma (Van Bibber) Schmidt. Jan attended
Pleasant Valley School and graduated from Deer Creek High School. Jan married Donavan Gant on Sept. 4, 1954, in Okla. City. After her two children entered elementary school she re-entered the work force as a receptionist for Dr. Don Courts, DDS., and upon his retirement for Drs. Ralph and Vince Willcox, DDS.
She was a longtime member of the Edmond Mother's Club, secretary/treasurer of the Whisler Cemetery Association, and a member of the One Room School House Alumni Association and the Deer Creek High School Oldtimers Alumni Association. Jan enjoyed her family and friends, socializing with them on Wednesday and Saturday evenings at Pepe's, and Saturday morning coffee group at Homeland on 33rd street.
She never met a stranger. She loved a good story, a big laugh, wine, and margaritas. Jan continued to work until she had surgery August 31, 2012, for an ascending aortic aneurysm. The surgery went well, but unfortunately she had trouble coming off the ventilator. She battled a couple of rounds of pneumonia and some other issues as a result of the vent. She tried so long to recover but after the last bout with pneumonia, her body became tired and weak.
Jan entered eternal rest on Wednesday, April 10, 2013, in Oklahoma City. Her survivors include her husband, Donavan of the home, daughter and son-in-law, Donnita and Ron Wilkens of Edmond, son Mark Gant of Edmond, grandsons, Colt Wilkens, Christopher Gant, and Garrett Wilkens, and her brother, Ralph
Schmidt and wife Carol of Flushing, Michigan. She is also survived by numerous aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Vola, brother Carl, brother- in-law Marvin, and numerous aunts, uncles, and in-laws. The family would like to thank the numerous facilities and their staffs that cared for Jan in the past months.
Please consider a donation to your favorite charity in her name. Services are10:00 a.m. Friday April 19, 2013 at Matthews Funeral Home Chapel.