Janet L. Ness

Janet L. (Nevitt) Ness of Jacobus, and The Residence at Fitz Farm, died Thursday February 5, 2026 at Misericordia Nursing and Rehabilitation, at the age of 95.

She was born Janet Laverne Nevitt on April 6, 1930, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the eldest of three children and the daughter of deceased parents, Helen Dodson Nevitt Claar of Hollidaysburg, PA and Warren James Nevitt of Bedford, PA. Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Perry L. Ness, daughter, Erica Hope Ness of Philadelphia, PA, sisters Nancy Gates Nevitt of New Paris, PA and Ethel Nevitt Maydak of Pittsburgh, PA.

She is survived by sister Suzanne Nevitt Morris, Edmonton, OK, half-sister Goldie Griffith, Hollidaysburg, PA, half-brother Roy Claar, Hollidaysburg, PA and nieces and nephews from Bedford and York counties.

After graduating from Bedford High School, Bedford, PA, Janet traveled to York, PA to attend classes at Thompson Business College. Her dream in life was always to become a fashion model. Lack of finances prevented her from embarking on training right out of high school, but she continued with a career in business until a time when living in Chicago she could attend the Patricia Stevens Modeling School where she trained in fashion and photographic modeling.

While working as an executive secretary at Charles H. Bear Department Store, York, PA, Janet acted as coordinator for Bear's Annual Employee Reunions.

Janet retired from York College of Pennsylvania after serving 24 years as Business Office Manager and Secretary to the Chief Financial Officer.

An active member of Salem Lutheran Church, Jacobus, PA, she served as President of Salem's Women of ELCA and in 2003, Co-Chairperson of Salem's 150*h Anniversary. She was Lay Female Voting Member at several Lower Susquehanna Synod Assemblies and represented the South York Conference of the Lower Susquehanna Synod as Lay Voting Member at the 2001 Evangelical Lutheran Church of America's Churchwide Assembly in Indianapolis, IN.

She was president and board member of the Auxiliary to Lutheran Social Services, Shrewsbury Chapter, and President of the four Lutheran Social Service Auxiliaries of South Central Pennsylvania.

Janet was a charter member of the Continental and Continental Yorktowne Chapters of the American Business Women's Association (ABWA) for 38 years and held many offices including being their first Woman of the Year. She was a member and Past President of the Jacobus Area Lioness Club and the Jacobus Leisure Club.

A funeral service will be held at Salem Lutheran Church, 99 York Road, Jacobus, PA 11 a.m. Friday February 13, 2026 with Pastor Tina Minnich officiating. Viewing is from 10-11 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Salem Union Cemetery, Jacobus, PA. The John W. Keffer Funeral Home, York, PA is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to Salem Lutheran Church 99 York Rd., Jacobus, PA 17407.