AREA OBITUARIES -- JANICE EMILY

Janice Ann Rowden Emily passed away at home Jan. 27, 2021 at the age of 76. She was born in the small town of Treece, Kansas and was the eldest of four sisters. After graduation from high school, she moved to Kansas City, Mo., to attend nursing school at St Lukes. She worked as a registered nurse for many years and recently attended the 50th year reunion of her nursing school classmates. While in nursing school she married James Keith Emily. They had three children.

In 1976 they moved the family to Fulton and started their business, Midway Fabricating. The company expanded over time and they sold Midway in 2001 and began their retirement phase of life.

She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family and friends. Home Shopping Network and QVC had a reserved space on her phone contact list. She was a longtime member of South Fulton Baptist Church and was a person of deep faith. She was a sports fan who carefully planned her days around certain games. She loved baseball in general and was devoted to the St Louis Cardinals.

She was known for her fierce devotion to her family and many close friends. She had Christmas card correspondences with friends for more than 50 years and never missed the chance to send birthday and graduation cards. Her dear friend Jean Weatherly of South Fulton was of great help to Janice for the last many years and the family would like to express a sincere thank you.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Lois Rowden; two sisters, Mary Jane Stock and Nancy Parker Willkomm; and her husband, James Keith Emily.

She is survived by her children David Keith Emily, of Fulton, Erica Elaine Emily, of St Louis, Mo., and Todd Emily, of Athens, Ga.; two grandchildren, Hannah Elizabeth and Elijah Keith, both of St Louis; her sister Linda Penrod and brother-in-law Don Penrod, and brother-in-law Jim Willkomm. She was a special aunt to all of her nieces and nephews: Kelly Rector, Kristi Sullivan, Jeffrey Penrod, Adam and Alex Parker, Cory and Cameron Rector, Jacob and Zachary Sullivan and Alice Penrod.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 6 at the Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin, Mo. There will be no visitation held and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery at the hour of service.