Janece Eddy, 95, passed peacefully from this life to the next on Oct. 24, 2023, with her daughters by her side.
Janece was born July 13, 1928, to Richard and Mae Watson on the family farm in Anita, Iowa.
After high school graduation at age 16, she trained to become a schoolteacher and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in rural Anita. She was proud of her profession and shared many stories over the years with her family.
She met the love of her life at the KP Hall while enjoying the other love of her life, dancing. Roger Eddy, a young soldier who had just arrived in Anita following the war, swept her off her feet. They were married on Aug. 22, 1948.
Shortly after, Janece left teaching and together they owned and operated Eddy's Clothing Store in Anita until retiring in 1984. In 2015, the couple moved to West Burlington to be closer to family while Roger was a resident of Klein's Care Center. They enjoyed 70 years of marriage. Roger preceded her in death in 2018.
Although Janece's heart remained in Anita, she fearlessly embarked on a new life in a new city at the age of 87. She was a true people person and went about making new friends wherever she went.
Being a member of PEO Chapter EZ in Anita, she continued being active with PEO in Burlington, attending meetings of Chapter HU where she was very warmly welcomed. This past summer, she celebrated 60 years in the organization.
She attended Asbury United Methodist Church in Burlington where she frequently volunteered. She especially enjoyed helping at the church's annual rummage sale.
When asked what she would like people to remember about her, she replied, "That I loved people.” And that she did. After becoming a resident herself at the Klein Center, she could be found chatting up a storm with her tablemates at meals, visiting and cheering up other residents, keeping in close contact with her neighbors and friends she left behind in Anita, and sending many cards and letters to those she loved.
Janece was sharp as a tack, fiercely independent, and a life-long learner. She kept up on current events and world affairs and was an avid reader. She also had a passion for shopping, always on the lookout for items for her family whom she loved dearly. She had a positive outlook on life and greeted each day dressed to the nines.
She will be dearly missed by daughters Deborah Winkelman and Julie (Michael) Niehaus; grandchildren Jeremy (Jennifer) Winkelman and their children, Andrew and Tyler; Andrea Niehaus; Stephanie Niehaus and her children, Tessany, Jack, and Gabriel; Michaele Niehaus (Zack Steffensmeier) children, Adrian and Ezra; Nicholas Niehaus; great-great-grandson Emiliano Nunez, and nephews Richard Watson, and Rodney (Barb) Watson.
She was preceded in death by her brothers, William “Bill” Watson and Larry (Rose) Watson; great-grandson, Keegan Niehaus; her parents; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Cremation has been entrusted to Prugh Funeral Service. There will be a celebration of life for Janece at a later date. A memorial has been established for the Anita United Methodist Church.