Janice Gem Zeis

Janice Gem Zeis, beloved wife of Richard Zeis Sr. of Tiffin, Ohio finished her earthly race on February 10th, 2021 at St.Vincent's Mercy Hospital of Toledo Ohio, surrounded by her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as, brothers Edward West of Tiffin, Ohio and Calvin West of Fairmont, West Virginia.

She is survived by the Love of her life and best friend of 64 years, Richard Zeis Sr. Her children: Rich (Lynn) Zeis, Eric (Kathy) Zeis, Don (Cecy) Zeis, Deena (Todd) Laubenthal and Alan Zeis. Eight Grandchildren: Hope Pigg, Nic (Jyl) Zeis, Levi Laubenthal, Genesis (Daniel) Courter, Sydney (Neil) Robertson, Sawyer Laubenthal, Jade Laubenthal and Madison Zeis. Seven Great Grandchildren: Ethan Pigg, Kalyn (Dylan) David, Livia Carpenter, Mia Zeis, Ari Zeis, Cam Zeis and Macklin Robertson.

Jan loved well. She was quick to forgive, slow to anger and abounding in loving kindness. She gave willingly of her time and means to any in need. She loved and trusted Jesus with her whole heart and is undoubtedly rejoicing by His side today.

Jan was born September 16th, 1937 in Kingmont, West Virginia to the late Edward and Lillie West.

Anyone that knew Jan knew what a great cook/baker she was. Whether for family events or Church functions, everyone wanted to try whatever she made and usually went back for seconds. Jan and her husband have faithfully attended CMA Church in Tiffin, presently known as The Journey Church for over 29 years. In earlier years, Jan was
a member of the Y-Wives organization, A Slimnastics instructor, WEBELOS den leader, soccer coach and Cotillion Club member (along with her husband).    

Jan loved the hills of West Virginia, where she was born and raised and would leave them for nothing less than a handsome Air Force man from Ohio. Often, the two, as well as their children, would make return trips to Fairmont to enjoy her childhood favorites...pepperoni rolls and hot dogs from her favorite hotdog stand.

Jan graduated from East Fairmont High school in 1955, where she was Editor of the school newspaper and Cheerleader. Following graduation, she attended one year of Business school in Pittsburgh, PA which later paid off when she became secretary for her husband. Although Jan worked as secretary for her husband for 44 years, her main career of choice was Housewife and Mother, in which she was completely devoted. Jan exemplified so much of Proverbs 31 and those character traits have impacted her family greatly and will forever be her legacy. Her husband, children, daughter-n-laws, son-n-law and grandchildren will miss her beyond words.

Jan came to faith in Christ in her forties. This deep faith defined Jan and is what allows her family to grieve but with a hope.

This hope is the hope of eternal life with her creator and savior Jesus Christ. (John 11:25) Jan's greatest desire was for her Children and Grandchildren, as well as everyone she knew to come to that same saving knowledge of Christ. (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10).

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, February 14, 2021, from 1-4 p.m., at the Engle-Shook Funeral Home & Crematory in Tiffin. Private graveside services for Jan will be held at Shiloh cemetery. There will also be a public celebration of Jan's life held at a later date.

In Lieu of Flowers, please consider giving to the following organizations that were dear to Jan's heart; The Wounded Warrior Project (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/) or Ohio Right to Life (https://www.ohiolife.org/). Online condolences may be left for the family at www.shookfamilyfh.com.

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