Janice Kay Ream

Janice Kay Ream (Crouch) Feb. 20, 1934 - Feb. 28th, 2011 "Ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation." Kahlil Gibran A light that shone brightly for over 77 years has moved into the firmament of heaven. On February 28th, 2011, Janice Kay Ream went home to our heavenly father. There she is welcomed. There, too, she will be much revered and dwell in the light of the love she radiated outward for so many years. Born February 20, 1934 in Davenport, Iowa to Robert and Kay Crouch, she is preceded in death by her parents and her eldest son, Mark John Ream, all of whom greeted her with outstretched arms to welcome her home. Writer, creator, wife, mother, grandmother, mentor, friend, confidante - Janice played many roles in her time on life's stage. She attended Bowling Green University where she studied Journalism and began a lifelong embrace of her "second family," her Kappa Delta sisters; she later became a member of the distinguished White Rose circle and a devoted member of the Arizona chapter of the Kappa Delta Alumni Association. In college, Janice also met the love of her life Robert on a blind date, then shortly afterward married and moved to Arizona where she raised her four children. She loved to travel and was a magnificent storyteller. Her column, "Ream Around the Valley" was full of humor and common sense and a societal staple for many years in the Valley News and Paradise Valley Voice. For years, she loved leading her church youth group and substitute teaching at All Saints' Episcopal Day School. But, most of all, Janice loved people. Her family. Her "Dinner Group" with the Klocks, the Kemps, the Overends, and the Spencers. Her "Lunch Bunch" outings with her beloved KD sisters. A second Mom to so many, she always opened her home to those in need and she loved (and rescued) many animals. She loved the Lord, her church and her Monday night worship group. Most of all, she loved being part of the everyday existence that many of us take for granted. She never did. Janice will be deeply missed by her husband of 56 years Robert, children Anne Ream (Wendy), Paul Ream, Jane Ream Gordon (Ben); grandchildren Mary Katherine Nickles (Ritchie), Brandon Ream (Christine), Brian Ream, Spencer Dalton, Dylan and Gabriel Gordon; great grandchildren Jake Kohl, Tristan Martin, Carson and Colton Ream; and a multitude of lifelong friends she treasured dearly. A Celebration of Jan's life will be held on Saturday, March 12th, at 10:30 a.m. at All Saints' Episcopal Church, 6300 North Central Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jan's memory to Halo Animal Rescue, 5231 N. 35th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, 85017, or The Kappa Delta Foundation, 3205 Players Lane, Memphis, TN, 38125.

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