Janice “Jan” Conley, age 82, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026, in her home, surrounded by love. She was born March 16, 1944, in Minford, Ohio, to the late Harve and Metta (Lowder) Burchett.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Conley, and her sister, Lela K. Crabtree.
Janice is survived by her three children: Annette (Paul) Brown, Howard (Nadine) Conley, and Crystal Conley. She also leaves behind her siblings: Harold (Karen) Burchett, John Burchett, Thomas (Joyce) Burchett, Sandra Burchett Riley, Joseph (Debbie) Burchett, Lavinia (Mark) Lewis, and Daniel (Helen) Burchett. She is lovingly remembered by her special caretaker and best friend, Bonnie Schneider; ten grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family members and friends.
Now to the good stuff!
Janice “Jan” Conley will forever remain a legend to her family. She was a woman known for her resilience, grit, and unshakable determination. She carried a fighter’s spirit within her soul and believed she could accomplish anything—and usually did.
Jan was brutally honest in all the best ways. She loved all living creatures, especially her dog, Gigi. She smoked like a chimney, wore pretty mauve fingernails, and her sapphire-adorned hands were always busy creating something beautiful. Her electrifying, raspy laugh was unforgettable and completely contagious.
A true gypsy at heart, Jan was well-traveled for most of her life. Along the way, she became a collector of beautiful things and stories. She was an incredibly talented seamstress—after all, not many people can watch JAWS and proudly say, “I made that.” She was also a hairdresser, painter, creative spirit, and even drove an 18-wheeler with her CDL. The list of her talents is nearly endless. In honor of her love for donating knitted items, her name can be found on a plaque at Adena Regional Hospital.
In her final days, Jan spent her time knitting blankets and bonnets for anyone and everyone, giving comfort even as she prepared to rest.
She loved music, with Tina Turner being her absolute favorite. Despite a car accident that left her with severe mobility issues, Jan never stopped dancing, using whatever strength she had left. She refused to let anything steal her fiery spirit, and that lesson will live on in all who knew her.
When asked if she had any regrets, she admitted to a few—but always followed with, “I wouldn’t change a thing, because my life wouldn’t be what it was.”
We take comfort in knowing she is now dancing on the other side of Glory. Her legs had earned their rest. To her family, she was and will always be—simply—the best!
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any animal shelter of your choice.
While her life will be celebrated every day, a formal celebration of life will be held in March, with details to be shared at a later date.
