Janice E. White

JANICE E. WHITE, 64, longtime Ogallala resident, passed away Friday, October 14, 2016, while surrounded by her family at the Bryan East Medical Center in Lincoln.

Janice was born May 31, 1952 in Omaha to Mahlon W. and Vivian (Noyes) Rathbun. She attended Ogallala High School.

Following her education, Janice moved to Liberal, KS for several years before eventually returning to Ogallala in the early 1970's. In 1977, Janice was united in marriage to Larry D. White, and the couple made their home in Ogallala. In 1985, Janice and Larry purchased the Taco John's restaurant located on east Highway 30. After 28 years of ownership the couple rebranded the store, continuing to serve their loyal customers with a revamped menu under their new name, "Taco Jan's."

Janice was a person who knew what she liked. She was in her element in the Fall season, when the leaves would begin to turn variations of her very favorite color, Orange. Her family has fond memories of the wonderful smell of baked goods that would emanate from her kitchen during those months, with Pumpkin Rolls being a staple of the household. Janice was generous with her confectionery efforts, and loved to share what she'd made with family and friends alike. She was an avid football fan, not just supporting her favorite teams, but keeping track of her favorite players and their respective stats. During football season, Janice could often be found enjoying Game Day at home with her family amidst good food, laughs, and sipping on her go to drink of choice, Diet Coke.

Janice was an avid reader and was quite creative. She loved crafting and cross stitch. She opened Krafty Korners with her life long friend, Linda Hesnault, from 2005-2015. Her presence will be sorely missed by family and friends alike.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents; infant sister, Barbara Rathbun; and nephew, Joe Rathbun.

Survivors include her husband of 39 years, Larry White of Ogallala; children, Shannon (James) Black of Bentonville, AR, Rod (Kim) Hazelton of Lincoln, Mahlon (Kimberly) White of Des Moines, IA; 7 grandchildren, Alexa & Hailey Hazelton, Cody & Caitlyn Gearhart along with Madison, Noah & Grayson White; 2 grandchildren gained by marriage, Sarah & Hannah Black; 2 brothers, Roger (Sylvia) Rathbun of Lumberton, NC, Rex (Jeannette) Rathbun of North Platte; treasured family friend, Jennifer (Eugene) Reeser of Ogallala; along with many other relatives and friends.

A memorial has been established in Janice's memory for later designation by the family. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live for those unable to attend.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the New Hope Church in Ogallala with Pastor Mark Baldwin officiating. No interment of cremains is planned at this time. Casual attire is preferred.

Memorial book signing will be Friday, October 21, 2016 from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.