Jan Anderson

Jan Anderson, 73 of Rushville, passed away on Friday September 26, 2025, at Carle Bromenn Medical Center in Bloomington, IL. She cracked sarcastic jokes through the end, earning her a "favorite patient" title from a Dr who is very discerning with this honor.

Jan was the proud grandma of 4 granddaughters - Anna Henry (12), Mia Henry (10), Harper Wynn (9), and Ellie Wynn (5) whom we suspect that she loved even more than her three children – Donovan Anderson, Jenny Henry (John Henry), and Kasey Wynn (John Wynn). Honorable mention goes to the countless kids out there that referred to her as "Mama Jan" and considered her to be a 2nd mom.

She was born in Mattoon, IL on October 29, 1951, spending the majority of her younger years in Charleston, IL. She was the daughter of Nell & Gene Wheeler, and sister to Mike & the late Jack Wheeler. Her sister-in-law, Mariolyn Baer, was as close as one could get to a real sister.

To say that she loved her dogs Abby, Comet, and Snickers might be the understatement of the year. Obsessed might be a more appropriate term. She absolutely loved her time volunteering at the Humane Society, and would like to remind everyone (even from the beyond) to get your dogs spayed and neutered.

Jan worked in several nursing positions throughout her years, though she touched the most lives during her tenure as Hospice Director. She was passionate that everyone deserved a comfortable, dignified death and worked tirelessly to support the families she served. She didn't mind that her back seat was full of catheter and medical supplies that freaked out her children's friends.

Many of you will remember Jan from her years at First United Methodist Church in Rushville. She was the leader of multiple choirs (vocal & bells), and the occasional pianist for church services. She had quite the knack for wrangling wild kids to create some beautiful music. She was very proud of her work reviving the youth group and pioneered some very memorable mission trips full of laughs and new experiences for the kids.

We are a bit surprised that Jan left this world so abruptly, because she was a master at the Midwest goodbye. It was rare that she told a story in under 30 minutes, and "long story short" was always "long story long", which we loved about her. Her storytelling often got in the way of making dinner, but her kids didn't mind frequently eating at 10pm.

When she wasn't being a rockstar mom & nurse, she could be found blaring CNN in her living room, planting endless flowers in her garden, or slaving away in the kitchen. She absolutely loved cooking for the masses, always ready to feed hungry teenagers or neighbors that popped by. Her flower gardens were her passion until the end - even starting a garden club at her living facility in Bloomington.

As much as she loved flowers, she loved her son Donovan much more. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to JSA Revocable Trust, to continue Jan's legacy of providing for her son Donovan's ongoing care needs.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Worthington Funeral Home in Rushville. Open visitation will be 9:00am - 11:00am. A service will begin at 11:00am with interment at Rushville City Cemetery, followed by a delicious lunch at First United Methodist Church in Rushville. To celebrate Jan's love of flowers and sunshine, we request that everyone come dressed in bright, happy colors.