Janet Ruth "Jan" Van Liew

Janet Ruth "Jan" Van Liew, a beacon of unwavering faith and boundless love, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the age of 87. Born on September 18, 1938, in Dudleytown, Indiana, Jan lived a life characterized by dedication to her family, her church, and her community.

Jan's life story cannot be told without speaking of her deep Christian faith, which guided her actions and enriched every relationship she nurtured. She was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church for 54 years, where she lived out her beliefs through participating in the Altar Guild, teaching Sunday School, engaging in small group gatherings, studying the Bible with her women's group (WBF), and volunteering with Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS). Her spiritual leadership and compassionate nature not only touched her family but also her community who knew her as a faithful follower of Christ.

She carried out her devotion to her faith with her roles as a homemaker, mother, and "Mimi," pouring her heart into creating a loving home for her family. Jan leaves behind a legacy through her two sons: Michael (Janet Craddock) Van Liew, Jeff (Julie Mathias) Van Liew; her twin daughters, Deborah (Bryan) Todd, and Jacqueline (Jeffrey) Stuckwisch; and her cherished grandchildren Chad (Megan Hackman) Van Liew, Toby Van Liew, Cortney (fiance, Matt Weimer) Van Liew, Erin (Mark) Smith, Andrew Todd, Daniel (Leslie Martinez) Stuckwisch, Sarah Stuckwisch, Leah (Nick) Rekis, Matthew Stuckwisch, Kyle Van Liew and Jessica (Donald) Miller. She was blessed to have known and loved her great-grandchildren Annie Van Liew, Avery Van Liew, Naomi Stuckwisch, Chloe Stuckwisch, and Eila Miller, and was joyfully anticipating the arrival of Baby Smith. Also left behind are her brothers-in-law, Richard "Dick" Shade and Paul Pomeroy, Sr; half-brother, Galen (Mae) Krumme and a half-sister, Nanette Krumme Burke.

Her beloved husband, Ken, who was the love of her life, preceded her in death in 2019. They are now reunited in eternal love. Jan also rejoins her parents, Henry E. Krumme, Jr. and Bertha Marie (Goecker) Krumme, and her sisters, Melba Krumme Stafford, Edith Krumme Pomeroy, and Sarah Krumme Shade.

Described by those who knew her best as faith-filled, selfless, and wise, Jan served as a pillar of strength and grace to her family. Her memory will be cherished and her presence deeply missed by the many lives she so tenderly influenced.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at Jewell-Rittman Funeral Service and Crematory 3855 25th Street Columbus, IN from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Jan's funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Grace Lutheran Church, 3201 Central Avenue Columbus, IN, with Pastor Todd Riordan officiating, with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. A live stream of the service may be viewed on the church website: www.gracecolumbus.org. Following the service, she will be laid to rest next to her husband in Riverview Cemetery in Seymour, IN.

Memorial donations may be made to either Grace Lutheran Church or Trinity Lutheran High School in memory of Jan.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Jewell-Rittman Funeral Service and Crematory. You are invited to share condolences and view Jan's memorial video on the funeral home website: www.jewellrittman.com.