Janice “Jan” Kay Steber, 77, of Charleston, Illinois passed away on Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 surrounded by her best friend, Gayla and her son Jordan, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, Illinois. Jan was born August 29, 1945 in Olney, Illinois the daughter of James Edward and Mary Elizabeth (Everette) Steber.

She is survived by her four daughters, Kimberly (Chris) Black of Calhoun, Illinois, Tracy (Marlon) Wheat of Wakefield, Illinois, Brenda (Tony) Hemrich, and Ann (Mike) Dowty of Olney, Illinois; two sons, Brian (Carrie) Ochs of Berryville, Illinois, and Kevin (Becky) Ochs of Lawrenceville, Illinois; 16 grandchildren, Brooke Bower, Brittany (Matthew) Rose, Brock Ochs, Chelsea (Andrew) Evans, Lindsey (Arron) Friel, Jacob Wheat, Sam Wheat, Kyleigh Hemrich, Addie Hemrich, Hayden Hemrich, Whitney (Gabe) McVaigh, Madison (Cody) Bobe, Maizie Organ, Kasen Ochs, Michaela Dowty, and Ryan (Bailee) Dowty; seven great grandchildren. She is also survived by one brother, Ronnie (Eleanor) Steber; six sisters, Carolyn (Bill) Inyart, Judy (Bill) Spitz, Sharon (Keith) Eckel, Sandy (Gene) Fehrenbacher, Mary Beth (Charlie) Coan, and Debbie (Richard) Crouch; two sister-in-laws, Marjorie (Stan) Pool and Anita Steber (Friend, Jim); and several nieces and nephews.

Jan was also blessed with a bonus family that included: Gayla Jenkins, Jordan Jenkins, Shanna Davis, and Maddax, McKinzleigh, and Paxton Davis.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one infant daughter, Tammy Ochs; two brothers, Donnie and Jim Steber; and grandson Owen Wheat.

Jan graduated in 1963 from East Richland High School in Olney, Illinois. She attended Salisbury (now Home) church in Charleston, Illinois.

For 35 years Jan could be found behind the counter of the Charleston Dairy Queen, as manager. Many customers said she was the person to see for the BEST blizzards. She was all the employees’ favorite person to work with. She dearly loved her regular customers, and the work family that she had there. She retired in 2020.

Jan had a love for music. In high school she played the French horn. She often was the star of the show as she played her accordion and the piano by ear. Loretta Lynn was her favorite singer, and to hear Jan’s special rendition of Coal Miner’s Daughter was a real treat.

 In her younger years Jan’s biggest thrill was whipping around the yard on her beloved Snapper mower. She enjoyed sitting outside in her glider with the music on, doing word search puzzles, and Bingo. With a strong sweet tooth, an apparent family trait, you never knew which drawer you would find her stash of candy in. If you brought leftovers into the house, you’d better plan to eat them promptly, or they would “come up missing.” Jan loved to cook. To her kid’s dismay, EVERY Sunday lunch consisted of roast with potatoes, and carrots. She was praised by guests, that hers was the best roast they ever had.

Jan was one of the kindest, most gentle souls, you would ever meet. She had an infectious smile, and genuine caring for others. She loved to joke around and laugh. Her beautiful spirit touched so many lives, which was made evident by the flow of people who came to the hospital to tell her goodbye.  Although, Jan is no longer physically here on Earth, her love for everyone will continue to live on in those she knew.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM, Monday, March 13, 2023 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until time of service. Burial will be in the Roselawn Cemetery.

Memorials in her honor may be made to the family to help with funeral expenses and left at the visitation/service or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL  61920.

Adams Funeral Chapel, Charleston, IL