Janice Carlson

Janice Carlson, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on June 1, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on January 23, 1938, in Quitman, Missouri, she was the cherished daughter of Ronald Paul Huff and Wilma Florine Thornhill. Janice spent her formative years in Burlington Junction, where she completed her high school education before embarking on a life dedicated to family and community.

On February 20, 1956, Janice married the love of her life, Ed Carlson, in Elmo, Missouri. Their marriage marked the beginning of a partnership rooted in hard work and devotion to one another and their family. Together, they ran a successful farming operation and owned a Massey Ferguson business. Their lives were filled with the joys of raising five children and working tirelessly on the farm, which was complemented by Janice's love for gardening and cooking. Known for her delicious cookies, her grandkids know that no one will be able to make them like she did. 

She relished tending to her flowers and enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether it be mowing the yard or embarking on family fishing trips to Minnesota with lifelong friends, the Turnbulls. Janice and Wilma Turnbull cherished their many times together and in more recent years their phone conversations. In addition to her love for nature, Janice took pleasure in gathering with family during holidays and playing cards with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her Saturday mornings were joyfully spent at the women’s coffee group at 3 C’s with dear friends Margaret, Phyllis, and Jean.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Marilyn (Joe) Bergman of Corning, Diane Carlson (Matt Lair) of Shenandoah, Jeff (Carla) Longabaugh of Bedford, Greg (Tami) Carlson of Corning, and Mike Carlson of Fort Smith, AR. Janice was a proud grandmother to nine grandchildren—Matt (Sandy) Bergman, Melinda (Ryan) Jennings, Jared (Erin) McManis, Clayton Young, Bradley Young, Nicole Longabaugh, Jason Longabaugh, Logan (Kendra) Carlson, and Ryan (Karoline) Carlson—and an adoring great-grandmother to eight great-grandchildren: Madison and Macy Bergman, Lane and Ashlyn Jennings, Zane and Kenley McManis, Benson Carlson, and Adelyn Grace Carlson.

Janice is also survived by her three brothers, Larry (Belinda) Huff of Lexington, KY, Dick (Marilyn) Huff of Elgin, TX, and Bob (Kathleen) Huff of Springfield, MO, as well as brother-in-law Marvin Evans of Clearmont, MO, and sister-in-law Nelly Carlson of Bellevue, NE, along with many nieces and nephews whose lives she touched.

Janice was preceded in death by her husband, Ed; her parents, Ronald and Wilma; her daughter Carla; her sisters-in-law Lillian Evans, Ethel Phillips, and Sharon Carlson; and her brothers-in-law Dean Carlson, Lynn Carlson and Dick Phillips. 

Janice Carlson will be remembered for her unwavering love, indomitable spirit, and the countless memories she created for those she cherished. Her legacy lives on through her family, who will forever hold her in their hearts.