Mrs. Janice I. (Davison) Pennington

Janice Idora Pennington, 79, passed away June 22nd, 2016 in her home surrounded by her children after she had fought a courageous battle with ALS. Born January 19, 1937 in Ainsworth, Nebraska, Janice was first of two children born to John and Nellie (Strand) Davison. Janice earned a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Nebraska-Lincoln and also graduated from St. Elizabeth's School of Nursing in Lincoln, Nebraska. A Registered Nurse at Brown County Hospital starting in 1973, Janice provided excellent care and comfort to many people in Ainsworth and the surrounding areas. She was also committed to the community and contributed in many ways. That passion for giving back was evidenced by her involvement in Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts for many years, The Brown County Historical Society and The Congregational Church, among others. She was kind, generous, and always there to lend a hand. Her true passion though was for her family. She was a loving; doting mother and grandmother, and she had cared for her mother for years as her mother battled Alzheimer's disease. Janice loved flower gardening and working in her yard. She also liked spending time at the ranch she grew up on south of Ainsworth. Curious about the world around her, Janice was very interested in current events, history, and politics. She loved nature and appreciated the simple things that many people take for granted. She was an active, productive, hardworking person all her life. Janice is survived by her son Stan Pennington of Ainsworth, her daughter Meg Mara and Grandson Alex Mara of Lone Tree, Colorado, her brother Don Davison of Ainsworth, and nieces and nephews. Janice was preceded in death by her parents, her sister-in-law Beth Davison, and her beloved Grandson Blake. She also leaves behind many truly wonderful friends. Her children would like to express their deep gratitude to the special ladies who took such good care of their mother in her final weeks of her battle with ALS. Janice's wishes were to remain in her home and she had "round the clock care" from very caring Hospice nurses and these wonderful women, Myrna Jakob, Brenda LeMay, Cindy Bower, and Barbara Morlang. Funeral Services were held on Tuesday June 28, 2016 at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Ainsworth with Pastor Diana Jahn officiating. Music was provided by Drew Klatt. The congregational selection was, "All Things Bright and Beautiful." Special music by Rob Mandeville and Judy Block singing "You & Me Go Fishing In The Dark" and "Go Rest High On That Mountain" was also provided. Casketbearers were: Alex Mara, Mike Mara, Mark Shaul, Greg Pennington, Joel Shipps, and Dave Nissen. Honorary Bearers were: All of Janice's Nursing Colleagues. Sharing special tributes were, Dr. Melvin Campbell and daughter Meg Mara. A special poem entitled, "Being A Nurse" was shared by Dottie Arent, Amy Salzman, and Kris Cobb. Burial followed at the Ainsworth Cemetery. Memorials were suggested to the family for future designation.