Janice Andrews (Stevens)

Born – July 27, 1921 in Olathe, Colorado.

Parents – Mittie and Lester Stevens.

Had one sister Mildred (deceased) 15 years older.

Attended schools in Olathe, Colorado, graduating in 1939 and Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado, graduating in 1944. Teaching career began in 1941 at a two room rural school named Highland located 5 miles NW of Olathe (salary $80/mo). Taught one year (1945-46) at Montrose High School. From 1946 – 1976 she taught English at Olathe Grade School at the Junior High level. (Total teaching career 34 years)

Met Wayne Andrews (deceased) July 1945 who was home on furlough from the US Air Corps just returning from missions flown over Germany. (The romance began …) He returned to duty in August and received his discharge Oct. 12, 1945. They were married three days later on Married Oct. 15.

August 1946, daughter Diana Gayle was born. Bought first home on South Sixth Street in Olathe. (4 bedrooms, all hardwood floors – $6,000) It took several years to pay this off. June 1959, son Gary Douglas was born, 13 years younger than his sister.

Retired from the Montrose School District in 1976, the same year Wayne retired from his position at Tri-County Water Conservancy District. They could now devote all of their time to the apple orchard near the top of Ash Mesa Hill where they built their new home in 1972.

Oct 1995 Wayne and Janice celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. In June 1996 Wayne passed away. 1997 sold their Olathe home and moved to Montrose.

Her children and grandchildren are her pride and joy: daughter Gayle who retired from teaching 2005; grandson Jace; great-grandson Andrew; grandson Dirk (Lisa); great-grandsons Dominic, Maverick & Lennox; son Doug who retired as school principal in Littleton, Colorado, and his wife Gaylene; grandson Riley (Sara); twin great-granddaughters Charlie and Frankie; stepson Robert Andrews (deceased), a retired attorney living in Wrightwood, California; grandson Tony (Danielle); great-granddaughter Remy.

She still drove at age 101. She also was a huge fan and loved watching every Rockies and Broncos game. Beautifully played the piano. She will be loved and missed every day.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the entire staff at Colorow Care Center in Olathe, Colorado, and to the staff at HopeWest Hospice Group in Montrose/Delta.

Family and Friends are welcome to join a Celebration of Life for Janice on Monday Feb. 19, 2024, 1:30 p.m., at Crippin Funeral Home, 802 E. Main St., Montrose, CO 81401; 970-249-2121. A family graveside service will follow.