Jana Lynn Sauerwein

1965 - 2023

Jana Lynn Sauerwein
December 2, 1965 - March 2, 2023
Fort Worth, Texas - We Were Not Ready for You to Leave
Jana Lynn Sauerwein (aka Jana Banana, Jana Montana, Roadie, and J Bird) - our friend, golf partner, travel and road-trip companion, and best bud - passed away unexpectedly at the age of 57 on March 2, 2023 in Ft. Worth, Texas. Jana was born December 2, 1965 to BJ Wright and Bill Sauerwein, the youngest of 3 sisters. She grew up in Irving, Texas, and graduated in 1984 from MacArthur High School. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Education degree from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas where she also played basketball and soccer at the collegiate level.
Jana worked at Chili's for more than 20 years, where she advanced from waiting tables during high school to becoming a General Manager. In 2015 she left the corporate world to run her own business, Arrfully Good Services, as a home and pet concierge. She coached soccer at Irving High School, and most recently served as a Behavior Interventionist at Kennedale High School. Jana always said, "No matter what the job is, I want to be teaching and working with youth, to make an impact." In addition to making a positive impact on youth at work, she volunteered at The WARM Place (a grief support center for children and teens) in Ft. Worth, and at Camp Mary White (an outdoor summer girls camp) in New Mexico, where she also served on the Board of Directors.
Jana was gifted in the art of communication - a great listener and a curious questioner. She was an avid reader who loved a meaningful quote and wanted you to write it down in her journal which she carried with her always, in that familiar backpack full of her life. Jana taught us how to be a better friend by staying connected, having real conversations, celebrating life, and honoring commitments. She was a true party motivator who could fill a room with laughter. She loved life, was full of energy, and demonstrated a huge ability to love her friends and animals. She left us too soon and will be sorely missed.
Jana was preceded in death by her mother and father, her sister Tracey Sauerwein, and her beloved pets Betty, Maya, Brock, Buster, and Charlie Bear. She is survived by her dog Stella, her sister Kelly (Sauerwein) Votaw, and her chosen family: Kelly Guiles, Bobbie Guiles, and Monette Allenwise.
Private memorial services are being held to spread her ashes in the Metroplex and New Mexico.
Donations in Jana's memory can be made to Gracie Lou Rescue & Rehab: https://gracielourescue.org/donate