Janice Namanny

Janice Namanny, 83, of Lewis, and formerly Atlantic, Iowa, died Tuesday, November 20, 2018, at her home in Lewis.

Janice Marie was born on May 18, 1935, in Atlantic, Iowa, the daughter of Marvin and Dessie (Harter) South.  During her childhood the family lived a short time in Spokane, Washington, while Marvin was in the service.  She attended school at the Oprah schoolhouse in Lorah.  Janice later lived with her grandmother, Gracie Harter, and while living with her worked at Woolworth’s.

On May 17, 1954, Janice was united in marriage to Robert Lee Woolsey in Pottawattamie County.  To this union Terry Lee, Eddie “Mike”, Robert Glen, Steven Perry, and Tena Marie were born.   She stayed home to care for the children, and the family lived in Atlantic, Lewis and Bellevue, NE.  When the kids were older, she started bartending and waitressing at the Atlantic Golf and Country Club, and later Mitch’s Lounge.  In addition to waitressing she also worked at Alcohol and Drug, Graham’s, and Kmart.  

While working at Mitch’s she met her future husband, Charles Namanny.  The couple always joked that he caught her attention by putting his tip on the counter right away and then taking it on accident when he left thinking it was his change.  It must have worked; the couple married on November 30, 1992.  The couple made Atlantic home until moving to Lewis in 2014.    Together they enjoyed trips to the casino and visiting family in Kentucky and Florida.   The couple frequently took drives around the countryside; she looked forward to autumn and all of the bright colors.   

Janice spent countless hours crocheting many afghans and doilies, and enjoyed crossword puzzles and doodling.  She was an excellent cook and meticulous housekeeper.  Janice’s home was always one you felt welcome in and because of this, friends and family gathered frequently to enjoy a cup of coffee and conversation.  She looked forward to spending time with family and was always available for babysitting the grandkids.  

Janice is survived by her husband, Charles of Lewis; children, Terry (Judy Bryant) Woolsey of Cub Run, KY, Eddie (Della) Woolsey of Lewis, Robert (LuAnn) Woolsey of Lewis, Steve (Roxanne) Woolsey of Atlantic, and Tena Woolsey of Cross City, FL; 11 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; many great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Dennis (Linda) Berge of Wiota, Fred Berge of Atlantic, Carol (Kim Thompson) Wright of Atlantic; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her father, Marvin South; mother, Dessie Hansen; step-father, Raymond Hansen; grandson, Brent Woolsey; great-grandson, Brecken Michael Woolsey; brother, Charles South; sister-in-law, Jane Berge; and nephew, Brian Wright.

Per Janice's wishes cremation has taken place.  Graveside services at Oakfield Cemetery east of Brayton and a Celebration of Life Luncheon will be held in the spring.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Janice’s family and her arrangements.   Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.