1938-2025
Janice Joan Wisby, 86, died March 30, 2025, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. She was born July 15, 1938, in Hutchinson, to Myrl and Amy (Rakestraw) Harmon.
Janice graduated from Sterling High School in 1956. She worked in communications for Northwest Kansas Technical College, Goodland. After moving to Hutchinson, Janice was co-owner, along with her husband, Warren, of Candyman Video. She had a love for all animals, but dogs had a special place in her heart. Janice opened up her home and helped with many rescue dogs, giving them a warm bed, food, and the love they deserved. In addition, Janice enjoyed spending time at her sister’s pool with the “Glitter Girls”. Rather than a time of water exercise, it usually ended up with visiting, laughing, and adult beverages. She was also one of the “Domino Divas”, meeting weekly to play dominos with her friends, and typically, cheating to be sure she won! She was a lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi where she met many of her dearest friends. Janice had a great wit and sense of humor, even during her last few days at Hospice House. She never complained and always faced life with faith, humor and strength. Janice believed that family wasn't slways blood and she loved hers unconditionally.
On August 2, 1957, she married Warren Eugene Wisby, in Sterling. He died August 18, 2015, after sharing 58 years of marriage.
Janice is survived by: son, Doug Wisby (Ginger) of Hutchinson; daughter, Dawn Bontrager (Lavon) of Louisburg; sister, Carolyn Schafer; brothers, Bud Harmon and Keith Harmon (Teresa); grandchildren, Summer Smith (Joey), Nathan Butts, Haley Christenson (Brody), Conner Jones (Savannah), Emma Wisby, Amy Wisby, Ryan Bontrager (Rhi) and Shane Bontrager (Abby); and great-grandchildren, Jaden Smith, Rylan Smith, Wade Christenson, Ramsey Bontrager, Rowan Bontrager, Liam Bontrager, and Braylen Bontrager, and her constant companion, her dog Daisy.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; daughter, DeLora Wisby Butts; grandson, Kyle Anthony Wisby; brothers, Rex Harmon and sister-in-law, Marty Harmon; and brother-in-law, Ted Schafer.
Celebration of Life service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Elliott Chapel. Private family inurnment will take place in the Sterling Community Cemetery. Friends may sign her book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary.
Click here to view the Celebration of Life Service for Janice.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Always & Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary, Spring Hill, KS or Hospice House, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
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