Janet Fountain

JANET S. FOUNTAIN

Janet S. Fountain, age 69, of Kahoka, MO, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 1, 2009, in Keokuk Area Hospital, Keokuk, IA. She had been diagnosed and lived with the symptoms of the rare disease, cerebellar ataxia.

She was born July 27, 1939, near Chambersburg, MO, the daughter of Donald and LaVera Wallace Worrell.

She graduated from Kahoka High School in 1957 and on November 30, 1958, was married to Lary K. Fountain. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past November.

Survivors include her husband, Lary, of Kahoka, MO; her father, Donald Worrell, of Kahoka, MO; two daughters, Tami Carter and her husband, Jessy, of Kahoka, MO, and Sheri Ankeney of West Des Moines, IA; five grandchildren: Ryan Christian of Quincy, IL, Keyan Christian of Kahoka, MO, and Lukas, Kaleb, and Jakob Ankeney of West Des Moines, IA; a sister, LaDonna Parker and her husband, John, of Luray, MO; an aunt, Helen Martin, of Kahoka, MO; an uncle, Dick Wallace of Birmingham, AL; three nephews: Shaun Parker and his wife, P.J. and their children, Harrison and Grace, of Luray, MO, Marcus Parker of Plano, TX, and Clayton Parker of Kirksville, MO; a step-sister, Norma Gibson of Keokuk, IA; a step-brother, Don Grisham of Keokuk, IA; a step sister-in-law, Carolle Grisham of Keokuk, IA; also dear friends Kent and Marilyn Martin, of Kahoka, MO and Shirley Breakbill of Montrose, IA; as well as cousins and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her mother; her son, Tony on November 21, 1980; her father-in-law, Alba Fountain; and her mother-in-law, Kathleen Fountain Keller and her husband, George; her step-mother, Fern Worrell; and a step-brother, Ray Grisham.

Janet was a bookkeeper most of her life, having worked for Matlick Lumber Company and Green Valley Seed before she and Lary began their own business, Fountain Electric. After the business closed, she worked for the Allegiant Bank and Peoples Bank of Wyaconda and later for Keokuk Savings Bank.

She was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Kahoka and had been in Sunshine Circle and the chancel choir for many years. She was also active in the community and was known for singing at many functions through the years. She was a charter member of the Tuesday Club. Janet enjoyed spending time with her many friends, particularly playing cards, visiting, and shopping (with Marilyn). She also enjoyed spending quiet time reading. She loved being with her grandchildren and was very proud of each of them. The past 50 years were spent with her best friend, Lary. They loved spending time on the dance floor in each other's arms and their devotion to each other was an inspiration to their family and friends.

Despite her illness, she was never without a smile and would always welcome visitors. Her determination and undaunted spirit, throughout her struggles, were an outlet of courage for others to draw from. Her passion for life and love for all will be dearly missed by those who knew her best.

Funeral services were held Friday, April 3, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Kahoka with Rev. Kenneth Beckmann officiating. Burial was in Kahoka Cemetery.

Memorials were suggested to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the National Ataxia Foundation, or St. Paul United Church of Christ.