Janice Harris, daughter of L.O. and Nellie (Schurlock) Glass, was born September 16, 1923, in Oakland, IA. She died on January 1, 2022, at the family home, at Oakland, IA, at the age of 98 years, 3 months, and 16 days.
Janice attended and graduated from Oakland High School in 1941. She then went to Columbia College in Missouri, graduating with a B. S. degree in Music Education. Her first teaching job was in Lytton, IA as the High School Band and Choir teacher. Janice married her high school sweetheart, Richard (Dick) Harris on August 3, 1947, at the Oakland United Methodist Church. While Dick was attending the University of Nebraska, she taught music in Lincoln, NE. In 1950 they moved back to their hometown, Oakland, IA and continued to live in the area until her death.
Janice was a life-long member of the Oakland United Methodist Church, where she held the record for the oldest and longest member of the church. She directed the choir for more than 35 years and also served on numerous church committees. She was a member of PEO, Eastern Star-Rainbow, Pythian Sisters, TCM, Bon Bob’s, and Marathon Bridge.
As a child and teenager, Janice played the piano for church service and special occasions. As a little girl, she was invited to play the piano on KMA radio for their Christmas holiday show. She represented Oakland many times at state events.
Janice gave private piano lessons in her home for over 40 years. She was a true “Coach’s Wife”, totally dedicated and always put Dick’s career and raising their four boys first. Her family was her life, every-thing she did revolved around them, her church, and her hometown. She enjoyed trips and outings with the Labor Day Gang.
Janice is preceded in death by her husband Richard “Dick” on January 2, 2010; her parents; two sons: Harlan G. and R. Dana Harris; her siblings: Roland “Doc” Glass, Donald “Dutch” Glass; and an infant sister Vivian Glass.
She is survived by her children: Scott D. Harris of Richmond, VA, M. Jan Harris and wife Susan of Oakland, IA: daughter-in-law Ellen O’Neil Harris of West Des Moines, IA; her grandchildren: Dustin G. Harris and wife Mary of Underwood, IA, Dr. Caitlin Witters and husband Brandon of Dayton, OH, Colin D. Harris and wife Elizabeth of Houston, TX, Grant G. (GG) Harris and wife Cara of Oakland, IA, Richard J. (RJ) Harris of Sioux City, IA, Claire J. Harris of Oakland, IA, Ashley Peters and husband Tyler of Broken Bow, NE, and Shelbie Harris of Kearney, NE; her great grandchildren: Jared and Jonah Harris, Helen and Brigid Witters, Evelyn and “Jack” Harris, Boston, Jersey, Jensyn and Jovie Harris, and Iva Claire and Everly Peters; plus many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Service for Janice will be on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at 10:30 AM, at the Oakland United Methodist Church. Private family burial will follow. Memorials may be given to the Oakland United Methodist Church.
