Janice Ann Crandall

Jan was born April 7, 1952, in Quincy, Ill. She was the daughter of Tom and Doris Manning. She graduated from Shawnee Mission South High School in Overland Park, Kan., in 1970, and from Baker University, Baldwin City, Kan., in 1974. At Baker University, Jan was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. After graduating from Baker University, Jan married Doug Crandall on May 11, 1974. She taught school in the Topeka Kansas School System while Doug attended law school. Jan and her husband moved to Carthage, following Doug’s graduation from law school in June, 1978. Jan later returned to school and earned her master's degree in English in 1988, from Pittsburg State University. She was an instructor in the English Department at Missouri Southern State University for over 20 years and was the executive director of the Carthage R-9 School Foundation, which she helped establish. Following college, Jan remained active in Alpha Chi Omega for 30 years, serving as the national president for two terms, from 1996 to 2000. She held numerous other positions with Alpha Chi Omega including president of the Alpha Chi Omega National Housing Corporation, trustee of the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation, National Extension director, National Panhellenic Conference delegate, National Rush director, National Rush visitor and province president for Kansas and Missouri. Locally, Jan was an active member of the McCune-Brooks Hospital Auxiliary, Republican Lincoln Ladies, Carthage Tiger Booster Club, MSSU Lionbackers, Carthage Women’s Service League, Missouri Southern State University International Piano Competition, Dogwood Garden Club, past president of Chapter HH PEO Sisterhood, The Shakespeare Society, Kanakuk Angel Mom, Rotary Ann and a host parent of U.S.A. Baseball. Jan was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, of Carthage, and served on numerous Church Boards. Survivors include her husband, Doug and their three daughters, Kathryn, Sarah and Elizabeth. She is also survived by her mother, Doris Manning Bowman, Kansas City; a brother-in-law, Captain (Ret) Stephen G. Crandall and his wife, FranCene, Shell Knob; and 10 nieces and nephews in Kansas City, Cincinnati and Phoenix. Jan was predeceased by her father, Thomas F. Manning; and her parents-in-law, Vernie R. and Frances L. Crandall. A celebration of Jan’s Life will be held Monday, Feb. 25, from 6 until 8 p.m. in Fellowship Hall at the First United Methodist Church, Carthage. The funeral will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jan Crandall Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of the Carthage R-9 School Foundation or the First United Methodist Church, Carthage. Arrangements are under the direction of Knell Mortuary, Carthage.