Name: Calling hours for Janet Suiter Rost
Start: 2016-03-04T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-03-05T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Indiana Funeral Care - Indianapolis

Janet Suiter Rost

aged 84, died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Monday, February 29th. Jan will be remembered as a steadfast advocate of the arts in Indianapolis as well as a remarkable wife, mother and friend.

Jan was born in the tiny town of Ida Grove, Iowa and attended the University of Iowa where she was one of the first graduates of the Speech Pathology program. A member of the Scottish Highlanders, she played bagpipes and danced her way through Europe. At Iowa, she met Robert Rost, who became her husband of 61 years. After living on the west coast, in 1968 they settled in Indianapolis where she worked as a kindergarten teacher and special educator at The Orchard School. She volunteered at Footlite Musicals, was elected President of the board and obtained the former Civic Theatre to create a permanent home for the organization in 1977. She continued to work tirelessly to solicit support for Footlite, raising more than a million dollars. In 2013 she was awarded the E. Edward Green Memorial Award for her contributions to the arts and in 2015, was honored by Footlite for her lifetime achievements including a city-wide proclamation of "Jan Rost Day" from the Mayor.

Jan also served as the Executive Director at the American Pianist Association, on the Board for Dance Kaleidoscope and as consultant for special events for the Indianapolis Opera Company. She was a member of The Players, serving as a board member, tech crew and producer.

Moving to Lions Head in 2003, Jan served on the board for the resident association and was a regular participant at the weekly social and the pool. Jan will be remembered for her honesty, her irreverence, her loyalty and her passion for life. She is survived by her devoted husband Bob, daughters Lisa and Glenna, sons-in-laws Cameron and Mike and her grandchildren Margaret, Audrey and Sam.

Calling will take place at Harry Moore at 8151 Allisonville Road from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 4th, and a Celebration of Life on Saturday at Footlite, 1847 N. Alabama at 1 p.m. Arrangements: Indiana Funeral Care.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Indianapolis Star on Mar. 3, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Janet Rost

8 Entries

March 10, 2016

Bob and family, Cal started kindergarten with Janet and I moved to Ida Grove in the house next door in our first year of high school. From that time on, Janet and I were best of friends or worst of enemies. We got into all sorts of troubles as young people will do. I've been very happy to keep in touch with her through the years even though we rarely were together. We will miss her and feel very blessed to have known both of you. Cal and Dot Besore, Mt. Airy, NC

March 7, 2016

I worked with Jan many years ago on a project and never laughed or learned so much. My condolences to her family.
Vicki Luther

March 5, 2016

Jan brought the best to our community through her tremendous neighborhood community service, her wonderful sense of humor, sharing her caring spirit and just having plain old fun! We will miss her much and know that the positive differences that she made will be everlasting.
Lisa and George Alexander

Carolyn Black

March 4, 2016

Lisa,

My condolences to you and your family.

Craig Gigax

March 3, 2016

No one made me feel more at home after returning to Indianapolis to take over my father's business after his sudden death than Jan Rost. Jan was one of the warmest, most approachable and welcoming people I have ever met. I loved her laughter and her dry sense of humor.

Bob and family: please know that you are in my prayers during this sorrowful time.

Tina Newland Darling

March 3, 2016

Dear Glenna Sue and all the Rosts,

Of course, I have the fondest of memories of your mom, from grade school through high school. It's not often that teenagers think parents in general are cool, but I always thought your parents were. Jan had a wonderful (dry!) sense of humor that, I recognize now, masked great affection and warmth for all she loved. I will always remember her with a smile. I send my sincerest condolences and prayers that your happy memories will sustain you. I hope to see you in person at the visitation.

Much love,

Helen Small

March 2, 2016

Jan was a great inspiration to me in 1997 when she turned over the reins of the American Pianists Association to me and David Pocock. I was in awe of all she accomplished during her time at APA, with such a small staff and the country to scour for talent. She was so devoted to our pianists! The Indianapolis community owes her a debt of gratitude for being such an effective leader during hard times.

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