Janice Lynn (Ward) Wilmes

Janice Lynn Wilmes (nee Ward) was born May 26,1953, to Anna Mae Bornhop and Earl Jackson Ward, and passed away peacefully at home on February 20, 2025, surrounded by love. She was a woman of beauty, strength, and resilience, with a heart that always beat for the underdog.

Raised in Wentzville, Missouri, she graduated from St. Dominic High School in 1971 and married William (Bill) Wilmes in 1977. They were married for 48 years and together they built a family that became the center of her world. There was no one prouder of her three children—Gary, Rachel, and Kristin—than she was. Her three children and five grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she shared that pride with countless friends at every opportunity.

Many of her youth’s happiest days were spent at the stables, where her love for animals, especially horses, flourished. Her compassion for animals remained a theme throughout her life, as she cared for and cherished many pets and strays along the way.

She was resourceful, incredibly hardworking, and had a spirit that could weather any storm. She had an impeccable sense of style, always carrying herself with both grit and grace. Flower gardening was one of her favorite pastimes, and she had a way of making everything she touched just a little more beautiful.

She was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by her family and friends. While our hearts ache in her absence, we find comfort in knowing she is free, at peace, and reunited with those she loved who passed before her. We will keep her in our hearts until we see her again and will miss her every day until then.

Janice is preceded in death by her parents Earl (Jack) and Anna (Sissy), and her sister, Susan. She is survived by her loving husband, Bill, her sister Patricia Sachs ( Ron Sachs), and her three children Gary Wilmes (Beth) of Wentzville, MO, Rachel Johnson (Corey) of O’Fallon, MO, and Krissy Wilmes (Bill Moran) of Manchester, NH. She is also survived by her five beautiful grandchildren Ben, Emily, Charlotte, Claire, and Reid.

Arrangements have been made for visitation to take place from 2–8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, at Pitman Funeral Home at 1545 Wentzville Pkwy, Wentzville, Mo., 63385. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 26, at St. Theodore Catholic Church at 5051 Hwy P, Wentzville, MO 63385. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any animal rescue organization of your choice.

The family is being served by Pitman Funeral Home in Wentzville

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