Janice A. Stemple

Janice Ann Stemple, 84, of Ripley, West Virginia entered Heaven’s gates on January 21, 2023. She was born the 7th child of 9 to Clair Taylor and Lula Philips Woodyard at the farmhouse in Grafton, WV. Mommy grew up with a great work ethic starting on the dairy farm milking cows, feeding chickens and summers spent working in the hay fields. With all those duties, Clair hired the boy down the road – the next farm over. With 77 fence posts between them the love affair started between that 13-year-old boy, Tommy and 12-year-old Mommy. Along with a keen notion of Lula, she insured this relationship would grow.

Janice is survived by her husband Thomas Lee Stemple. They married on February 27,1957 and after finishing his naval commitment they relocated to Ripley, WV where they built a beautiful life full of love and laughter. A love that is etched permanently in the Guinness Book of World Records as a couple recognized with the most siblings from a single family to celebrate over 60 years of marriage. The two spent 72 loving years together and were just shy of their 66th wedding anniversary. If asked the secret to the longevity she would reply: “choose wisely, be kind and stay committed”.

As the matriarch of her large family, Janice took great pride in caring for and supporting her loved ones. She was the proud mother of four daughters: Leah (Jim) Pitts, Laura Taylor (the late Ross Taylor), Brenda (Rick) Greene, and Mandy (Tim) Parsons. She led by example in raising her daughters to be strong, independent women who each understand the value of hard work, the importance of family, and the pure beauty of a kind heart.

Her greatest joy in life was her family and she deeply cherished her title of Grammy given to her by her 10 grandchildren: Erica (Matt) McVay, Erin (Jeff) Buchanan, Derek (Kasey) Snyder, Tyler (Jennifer) Pitts, Rachel (Tyler) Kostelac, Grace (Jason) Arthur, Jared (Jenny) Taylor, Luke Parsons, Olivia (Joshua) Sharp and Haley (Preston) Martin. And 16 great grandchildren: Brady, Owen, Mia, Jacob, Isabella, Emma, Corrine, Lila, Aurora, Rowen, Ellie Rae, Cecilia, Baby Emmett (March) and Baby Taylor (August). Through marriage she gained Brett, Marissa and Mila Greene, Jack, Todd, Lydia, Jacob, Julian and Saige Greene. She spent countless hours rocking each of her babies while singing her infamous lullabies and the golden oldies, traveling to school activities, and sporting events, and hosting her loved ones for monthly birthday parties, holidays, and any other random night of the week.

She is also survived by her Sisters: Donna Isner and Suzy Mitchel, Sister & Brother-in-law: Carol and Art Stockett, Brother-in-law: Jerry Stemple and Harry Lehr and Sisters-in-law: Eva Jo Woodyard, Ann Summers and Connie Poling and many nieces and nephews

Janice was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church since 1961 where she served on many committees and dedicated countless hours to its ministry. She believed in living her life by the Golden Rule and treated everyone with respect and kindness. She was known for her gentle demeanor, the epitome of sincere, and was always willing to help a neighbor in need. The salt of the earth, she was pure magic. She could calm a crying baby with a single touch or smile and made those around her better with just her presence. There were always cookies in her cookie jar, a home cooked meal on her dinner table, and hardly any leftovers to be had. She tried to pass on her famous recipes, but everything seemed to taste better when prepared by her – her loved ones know it was because of the love in her hands. Always striving to keep her mind sharp, she was an at home Jeopardy Champion, Wheel of Fortune winner and did her crossword puzzles in ink!

In her passing, she is joyfully reunited with her parents, Brother: Paul (David) Woodyard Brother and Sister-in-law James and Irene Woodyard, her sisters and brothers-in-law: Nancy and Richard O’Conner, Janie and Steve Stephenson, Ruth Elaine Lehr, Carl (Pete) Isner, Fred Poling, Ken Mitchell and Denzil Summers. Her son-in-law Roscoe Taylor, and we find comfort in knowing she is seated at the throne of God in a rocking chair with 2 great grandchildren: Katherine Marie Buchanan and Liam Thomas Sharp.

Even in her final days, she continued to take care of those around her. She was given an Appreciation Certificate for her gracious participation in examinations by the 2nd year medical student from Case Western University -Cleveland Clinic. Upon completion she reminded each to make good grades and make their parents proud. Our family extends our gratitude to the medical team on the J61-Unit at Cleveland Clinic for the care and compassion shown our parents. They went above and beyond to keep Mommy and Daddy together through these past weeks.

While those lucky enough to have known and loved her are heartbroken by her passing, she entered Heaven’s gates with dignity and grace just as she had lived her life each day.

A celebration will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at Epworth United Methodist Church. A family meal will be provided at noon. Visitation will be from 2PM-5PM and service will follow at 6PM. The service will be carried via Live Stream on Epworth United Methodist Church Facebook page. Burial will be held at later date at the National Cemetery in Grafton, WV.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to Epworth United Methodist Church General Fund or a charity of your choice.