Janice Arlene Oldham

Janice Arlene Higgins Oldham (89), passed away on February 27, 2026 in Springfield, MO.

Janice was born February 27, 1937, in Oxnard, California; however, her parents, Glenn Curtis Higgins and Georgia Louise Wrenn Higgins, soon returned to Stockton, Missouri, where she spent her elementary and high school years. She was an accomplished musician and served as piano accompanist for many school and church events. She graduated from Stockton High School as class valedictorian in 1955.

Janice attended Southwest Missouri State College where she was a member of Pi Kappa Sigma sorority, leaving for full-time work when she married her best friend, Max Duane Oldham, on March 3, 1957. Upon Max's graduation from SMS, they moved to Mountain Grove where Max served as basketball coach and Janice directed the Methodist children's choir, served as a substitute teacher and became an avid bridge player.

In 1963 they became the parents of Mark Edward and moved to Carthage where Max coached for two years and Janice became a member of Beta Sigma Phi.

In 1965 they moved to Sterling, Kansas, where Max coached for six years and Janice graduated from Sterling College in 1968. She then taught business classes at the college for two years. In 1968 they became the parents of Amy Diane.

In 1971, the family moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma, where Max pursued his doctorate and Janice worked in the Office of International Programs on the OSU campus.

In 1973 they moved to Joplin, where Max taught and served as department head at Missouri Southern State College. While living in Joplin, Janice was employed by the School District of Joplin R-VIII for six years, Wausau Insurance Companies for three years and The Insurancenter for twelve years. She also did substitute teaching and enjoyed bridge and country-western dancing.

She was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church and served as Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher in several locations.

In 1998 Max and Janice retired and moved to Springfield, Missouri where they became active members of Friends of the Library and enjoyed "mentoring" their five grandchildren.

Janice was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her sister, Glenda Bush.

Survivors include her son, Mark Oldham, Springfield; daughter, Amy Egger, Springfield, grandchildren, Katrina Rush and husband, Darren, Nixa; Jennifer Poertner and husband, Joe, Springfield; Brandon Egger, Katelyn Egger, and Cole Egger, all of Springfield; great-grandchildren, Robin Rush, Brian Rush, and Wendell Rush, Nixa; sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Ronnie Layman, Crocker; brother-in-law, Joe Bush, Walker, nieces and nephews, Becky and Eric Cooper, El Dorado Springs; Craig and Lorie Layman, Crocker; Chris and Sheila Layman, Crocker, and several other dear nieces, nephews and cousins.

As Janice requested, no service will be held. Memorials may be made to Friends of the Library, 4653 South Campbell, Springfield, MO 65810.