Janice Jean Oswald died April 22, 2025. She was ushered into her heavenly home surrounded by her family. She was 89 years, 2 months, and 17 days old.
It seems inadequate to write of her life in a concise composition. She lived a life of service to others. She gave of herself when no one could see and loved her ministry to Christ. Her dedication to Jesus was evident in all she did and said. While her family is saddened by her passing, they know that the joy she is feeling seeing her Lord and Savior is beyond their comprehension.
Janice was born on a farm south of Milford to Harry and Velma Roth on Feb. 6, 1936, as the third of 11 children. In caring for her family, she learned the art of showing care to all around her. Her sewing and baking skills were unmatched. She could care for people, plants and animals with ease. Janice accepted Jesus as her Savior in her youth and was baptized at East Fairview Church. She faithfully served Him throughout her life.
She was united in marriage to Gale E. Oswald on Oct. 27, 1961, at East Fairview Mennonite Church. To this marriage Beth, Joan, Michelle and Jonathan were born. Gale and Janice lived their lives in and around Milford and would occasionally get to winter in Phoenix. Janice worked several jobs, most notably at Form Fit Rogers in Crete. She was known for her excellent sewing skills. During her time living on the farm, she was just as likely to be found choring the livestock as she was to be cooking supper.
Her family recalls her extraordinary strength and determination in difficult times. Her grandchildren recall her singing them to sleep, teaching them to crochet, and the wonderful loving care she gave to them. She and Gale were known to show up wherever canning was happening in order to lend them a helping hand. So much love and laughter were shared during these impromptu gatherings.
Janice is survived by her children and spouses, Beth and Galen Gingerich, Seward, Joan and Donald Ulrich, Milford, Michelle and Stephen Yoder, Seward, and Jonathan and Janelle Oswald, Milford; 18 grandchildren, Darren (Ramona) Gingerich, Heather (Jordan) Cross, Yvette (Justin) Penner, Angela (Darren) Diem, David (Michelle) Ulrich, Stephanie (Darrell) Horst, Tyler (Elya) Gingerich, Audrey (Bruce) Diem, Andrew (Krystal) Yoder, Ryan (Debroah) Ulrich, Shawna Oswald, Derrek (Becky) Yoder, Tiffany Oswald, Regina (Mathew) Kouma, Natalie Yoder, Joel Oswald, Alison Yoder, and Caleb Oswald; 21 great-grandchildren; brothers, sisters, and in-laws: Ila (Larry) Kremer, Congress Arizona, Nancy Roth, Beaver Crossing, Carolyn Miller, Millersburg, Indiana, Sharon (Roger) Lehman, Washington Boro, Pennsylvania, Lonnie Roth, Joseph Roth, and Leonard Roth all of Milford, Marilyn (Gene) Reil, Milford, and Amy Hamtak, Lincoln.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Gale Oswald; parents, Harry and Velma (Miller) Roth; parents in-law, Dale and Maxine Oswald; brothers, sisters, and in-laws: Herbert and Jeanene Roth, Cloy and Ora Roth, Roger Roth, Marieta Roth, Larry Miller, Frank Hamtak; niece, Audrey Roth and nephew, Deryl Roth.
The funeral service will be Friday, April 25, at 10:30 a.m. at the Salem Country Church near Seward with interment at the church cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested in care of the family for a future designation.
Arrangements by Lauber Funeral and Cremation Services.
