Janice Ilene Walter

Janice Ilene Walter, nee Wroth, 86 of Auburn passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at MercyOne Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.
She was born March 26, 1938, in Lincoln, NE, the daughter of Charles and Reba Sharp Wroth. Last of her generation she is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Phyllis Arlene Wroth, and brother, James Melvin Wroth.
Surviving are two nephews, Mark Wroth, and David Wroth; one niece, Mary Wroth; two grandnieces, Elisabeth Wroth-Besse and Kristen Wroth; and a grandnephew, Nathan Wroth.
After growing up in Lincoln, Jan graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1960. She continued her education, graduating with a Master of Arts from the University of Iowa and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin. Jan worked as a costume designer and teacher for several colleges and universities during the 1960's and 1970's. While this was her passion, she was also a computer programmer which allowed her to support herself while continuing to work in costume design and other fine arts such as quilting later in her life. As a much-respected contributor for over 15 years, Jan wrote a regular column, 'Highlighting History', for 'Doll World' magazine, well-known amongst collectors and creators. After retirement, she volunteered with local schools in Auburn and Chatham, creating costumes for high school plays and musicals. Through her local quilting guild, she worked for many years to produce Christmas trees adorned with quilts for the annual Springfield Festival of Trees Charity auction.
A deeply caring woman, she loved animals, having basset hounds for many years, supported animal rights and rescue organizations, and was an avid fan of plays and operas. She was a patron of the Des Moines Metro Opera and often attended operas in person and later through virtual means. She shared all her loves and passions with her family and friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 30, 2024, from 10:00 to time of services at 11:00 am, Chatham United Methodist Church, 104 West Chestnut St, Chatham, IL 62629. The burial will be in Chatham Memorial Cemetery.
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