Janice Lee Buchanan went home to be with Jesus on December 4, 2025. Born on December 24, 1936, in Henry County, Indiana, to Ernest Clark and Juanita Brown Rodeffer, Janice lived a life that radiated kindness, grace, and a steady love that anchored everyone around her.
Janice graduated from Center High School in 1955 and married the love of her life, Donald Ralph Buchanan, on September 16, 1956, at Buck Creek Church of the Brethren. Janice had many fond memories of her days working as the bookkeeper at the Oakville Elevator prior to raising her children. She and Don were proud members of Old Town Hill Southern Baptist Church, where they were active and faithful participants in their Sunday school class. Her love for Jesus shaped every chapter of her life.
Together, Janice and Don raised two daughters, Pam and Tammie, who were their whole world. That love carried forward to the next generation, where Janice, affectionately known as "Beeg" by her grandchildren, became a beloved fixture at every school function and sporting event. She never missed a game and was always dressed in the team colors, cheering them on with unmistakable pride.
Janice found joy in life's simple pleasures: a warm cup of coffee, anything in her favorite shade of red, and countless word search puzzles completed with quiet contentment. Her life was full, her heart was fuller, and the people she loved always knew it.
Janice is preceded in death by her parents, lovingly known to her as "Mother and Daddy," and her sister, Geneva Duckworth.
She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Don; her daughters Pam Hecklinski and Tammie (Darrin) Gill; her grandchildren Stephanie (Brad) Marsh, Sacha (Josh) Burkett, and Devin Gill; and her five great-grandsons, Ezekiel (8), Myles (5), Damon (2), Baker (2), and Anthony (7 months), who brought immeasurable joy to her life. She also leaves behind her sister Geneva's children, whom she cherished like her own: Kevin (Debbie) Duckworth, Greg (Nancy) Duckworth, and Kim (Wayne) Olinger; many special great-nieces and great-nephews Brad (Roxanne), Travis (Susan), Betsy, Jennifer (Mark), Winston (Emma), Nathan, Grant (Claudia), and their children; her sister-in-law Patty Nelson, and her lifelong best friend, Janet (Arnold) Higgins, a treasured companion through every season.
Janice leaves a legacy of unwavering faith, boundless love, and a family who will forever carry her spirit in their hearts. The world is better because she was here, and those who loved her will continue to feel her light in every memory she made so beautiful.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to her beloved nurse, Jaime Kantz, and the staff at Northview Health and Living for the extraordinary love and care they showed Janice.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at Gardens of Memory in Muncie, Indiana.

In lieu flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer's association.