Janice Rabenstein

Janice Nadine (Shrock) Rabenstein, 89, of West Liberty, Ohio, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed peacefully into eternal rest on Sept. 8, 2025, surrounded by the family she cherished.

Born on March 10, 1936, in Middlebury, Indiana, to Jerry "Jess" Shrock and Clara (Bontrager) Shrock, Janice lived a life marked by grace, steadfast faith, and the quiet strength of service. She was preceded in death by her sister Vera Miller, brother Maynard Shrock and her beloved husband of 64 years, Robert "Bob" N. Rabenstein, whom she married on April 14, 1957.

Janice supported Bob's many business endeavors as a secretary from their home in West Liberty, Ohio, but her true vocation was found in the nurturing of her family. She was the heart of her home – deeply rooted in faith, generous with her love and endlessly creative in her many gifts. She was a gardener of both soil and soul, a master quilter whose stitches told stories, and a pie baker whose hands brought comfort in every crust.

She loved music and singing, especially the beauty of traditional Mennonite four-part harmony. Her alto voice was a constant presence in her church choir, where she found joy and worship in lifting her voice to God. Over the years, Janice faithfully served her Lord at Bethel Mennonite Church and, more recently, McKee's Creek Chapel. She gave of herself through various church committees and leadership roles, always with humility, purpose and a servant's heart.

She is lovingly remembered by her five children: Barbara L. (J. Scott) Schultz, Susan N. (Wesley) Krabill, Robert J. (Theresa) Rabenstein, Stephen D. (Sandy) Rabenstein and Anne E. (Ryan) Keene, and a brother and sister-in-law: Lawrence and Esther Elaine (Beck) Rabenstein. Her legacy continues through 15 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and five fostered great-grandchildren, each one a verse in the beautiful song she lived.

Her life echoed the words of the hymn she so loved:

"This is my story, this is my song; Praising my Savior, all the day long …"

Though we mourn her absence, we rejoice in the eternal life she now embraces, resting in the arms of the One she sang of all her life. Janice's faith never wavered, and her love never ran dry. She praised her Maker while she had breath – and now, her song continues beyond the veil. It is well with her soul.

Visitation hours will be held on Thursday, Sept. 11 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Jennings Farley and Seeley Funeral Home, 5591 U.S. Route 68 South in West Liberty. A memorial service celebrating Janice's life will be held on Friday, Sept. 12, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Donations may be made to Israel's Hope, USA: israelshopeministries.org/schultz. In her memory, may we live lives full of harmony, stitched with kindness and rooted in unwavering faith.