Janice Ann Heise

Janice Heise Obituary

Janice Ann Heise entered heaven on eagles’ wings, to rest in the palm of the Lord’s hand on January 3, 2025, surrounded by her children and loved ones.

She was a devoted mother of seven children: Clifford (Kathy), Gayleen (Mike), Bessie (Jeff), Audrey, Gustav (Regina), Bertram, Frank, and daughter-in-law Pam. She leaves behind her sisters, Patricia (Edwin), Sharlene (Barry), Joyce (Rick); 11 grandchildren, Mallory (Cody), Kyle, Daniel (Jordan), David (Sabrina), Evan (Alexis), Lindsey (Chuck), Jessica, Cole (Rebecca), Laura Jo (Lee), Andrew, and Norah; 10 great-grandchildren, Alison, Madeline, Elaina, Myles Austin, Leila, Eli, Cayeden, Liam, Brynlee, Harrison, plus one on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Gayle and Frank, daughter-in-law Sandy, and nephew David.

Janice was born in Davenport, Iowa, grew up in Bettendorf, and attended Bettendorf High School. She received her nursing degree in 1960 from St. Ambrose College and was a nurse her entire life. Janice was service-oriented and instilled that quality in her children. She was quick to help others, whether assisting elderly friends and neighbors with household tasks, making meals for families in need, or traveling to help her children in times of need, providing comfort, guidance, and support. She loved to craft and often used her talents to the benefit of others- crocheting hats for the homeless, making rosaries for the church, or hand-sewn bean bags and Santa hats for school classes.

Later in life, when traveling was difficult for her, she enjoyed video chatting with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and phone calls with her family members, talking almost daily with her sister, Pat. She loved children, and if there were any in the room, they had her full, adoring attention. Her walls were filled with photos of her growing family, providing a history of her life in each photo. She had a sense of humor and enjoyed laughing with her family and friends.

She had a deep faith in God and when she first moved to Harrah in 1977, she would attend church daily. She believed that God took care of her and her children. She had a bag of prayer cards by her chair, and she would read through them daily. She was Snow White till the end and had her seven dwarves holding vigil around her as she took her first breath in heaven. As a farewell, Janice always said, “I love you, good-bye. God be with you.”

Per Janice’s wishes, no memorial is being planned. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to a cause that was dear to her, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at namioklahoma.org.