April 3, 1936 – August 26, 2025
VISITATION
Thursday, September 4, 2025
10:00 – 11:30 A.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Emmetsburg, Iowa
PRIVATE GRAVESIDE SERVICE
INTERMENT
Silver Lake Cemetery
Ayrshire, Iowa
Janice Kay Stowell, daughter of Melvin and Gertrude (Snyder) Brand, was born April 6, 1936 in Ruthven, Iowa. She graduated from North High in Des Moines, Iowa.
On January 31, 1966 Janice was united in marriage to Harry Stowell in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Janice and Harry made their home in Ayrshire. Janice was very dedicated and passionate about life in the town of Ayrshire. It is evident in all of the various jobs she held. She worked part time at the Post Office and at Kundel’s Grocery Store. Janice was the first female to be certified to operate the city water plant and served as Ayrshire’s City Clerk for 35 years. Janice was always quick to volunteer and assist whenever she was needed, whether it was to be a good neighbor or plan a big Ayrshire celebration.
Janice and Harry enjoyed traveling to Spearfish, South Dakota and going through the Black Hills. Everyone knew Janice as the “cat whisperer”. There was not a stray cat in town that was not loved by her. She had an unending appreciation for nature, spending time outside and attending to animals that needed her abounding care. Janice was truly a “small town girl.”
Janice loved her family unconditionally. She always cherished family visits and listened with interest to what was happening in their lives, not her own. The stories shared, the family memories, and the “belly laugh” moments were priceless.
Janice was a fabulous cook and baker and her specialty was pie. If she knew you were coming, there would be delicious, freshly baked pies on the counter. Janice also had a love for frogs. Frogs of any kind and for any purpose were collected and displayed all over the house. There was a story to be shared about each one in her beloved collection. Janice was “one of a kind”. She lived life led by her faith and was loved by all who knew her.
Janice passed away Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at the Ruthven Community Care Center at the age of 89. She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Gertrude Brand; her husband, Harry; a step daughter, Ginger Kerr; son-in-law, Steve “Barney” Buren; and a grandson, Cory Williamson.
She is survived by her step children, Mary Lynne “Lindy” Buren of Sanborn, Iowa, Harry Eugene “Gene” Stowell and his wife, Valerie of Crossville, Tennessee, and Richard Dean “Rick” Stowell and his wife, Peg of Gilbert, Iowa; 11 grandchildren; several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; a brother, Jerry Brand and his wife, Janet of Tinley Park, Illinois; a sister, Donna Adamson of Perry, Iowa; nieces and nephews; as well as many other relatives and friends.
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
martinmatticefuneralhome.com