Keyes, Janice 'Jan' Ruegnitz

Janice “Jan” Ruegnitz Keyes, 76, a resident of Cedar Rapids, died Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012. Funeral Service: 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, at Faith Lutheran Church in Marion, where family will greet friends from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the church. Graveside Service: 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Union Cemetery in Littleport, Iowa. Arrangements by Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Marion.

Survivors include three children, Martha Keyes Gieryng (Jim), David Martin Keyes (Janice) and Sarah Keyes Case (Doug); four grandchildren, Eric James Gieryng, Peter Francis Gieryng, Molly Rose Keyes and Paul Lannan Keyes; a great-grandchild to be born in the spring; a sister, Marlene Ford of Texas; a nephew, Blake Phelps of Texas; and several cousins, especially “double cousins” Gene (Jean) Ruegnitz and Roger (Jeanette) Ruegnitz who were very important in her life; and her very special friend, Ed Lasko.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother.

Janice was born March 29, 1936, the daughter of Roy and Elsie (Waterman) Ruegnitz in rural Elkport, Iowa. She was baptized, confirmed, and married at Hope Lutheran Church in Littleport. She graduated from Elkader Community High School in 1954. Janice worked for the Cedar Rapids Community School District from January 1972 until December 1999.

Janice was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, past PEO Chapter IF member, life member Mercy Medical Center Auxiliary, past president Mercy Medical Center Auxiliary, Hospice of Mercy volunteer, Iowa Retired School Employees Association, life member Republican National Party, charter member Five Seasons Republican Women, and Red Hat Society.

Jan felt very blessed that God entrusted her with three loving children and four grandchildren.

Memorials may be directed to Faith Lutheran Church or Hospice of Mercy in memory of Janice.

Please sign the online guest book for Janice at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

Published Nov. 5, 2012 in The Gazette