Janice Naomi (Spradlin) Diehlmann, 100
“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
With heavy hearts, we share the news of Janice Naomi (Spradlin) Diehlmann, who peacefully passed away at Bristol Skilled Nursing in Waverly, on April 14, 2025 at the age of 100. Born on December 6,1924 in Sciotoville, Ohio, to Archie and Naomi Spradlin, she lived a life rich in love and sharing – touching countless lives as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, employee, and friend.
Along with her parents, Janice was preceded in death in 1994, by her husband , Elmer F. Diehmann whom she married on July 12, 1942. Also preceding her were an infant son, James E. Diehlmann, a son, David Diehlmann, a daughter-in-law Sherry Diehlmann, a daughter-in-law, Nel Diehlmann, two brothers, Ralph (Dick) Spradlin of Houston, Texas and Donald R. Spradlin of Columbus.
Janice, a 1940 graduate of McDermott High School, is survived by her son, Daniel A. Diehlmann of Hillsboro,OH, and three daughters: Carolyn Markis of Wellfleet, MA, Marilyn (Chris) Lute of Stout,OH, and Janice Campbell ( Larry Sheets) of McDermott,OH and a daughter-in-law, Karen Diehlmann. She leaves behind eight grandchildren including Mary Markis of Chicago,IL, Jack (Donna) Markis of Boston, MA, Stacy (Neil) Horne of Westfield,NJ, Jennifer (Craig) Johnson of McDermott,OH, Jason (Jennifer) Lute of Minford,OH, Justin (Lori) Lute of Columbus,OH, Corey (Erica) Campbell of Wheelersburg,OH, and Michael (Brandi) Campbell of McDermott,OH. Janice loved and adored twenty great-grandchildren.
Janice had many talents, but she always considered her greatest accomplishment to be creating a loving family. Her children’s friends were so welcome in her home, that many considered her a second Mom. She was an avid reader, seamstress, quilter, and wonderful cook – famous for her Red Velvet cake, homemade biscuits and yeast rolls. There are many family members and friends who cherish a homemade quilt, baby quilt or afghan hand sewn with love by her. She was high-energy and loyal to a fault. Her professional life included bookkeeping ( Doug’s 4-Wheel Drive, Lute Supply) and tax preparation in her home, as well as with Roberta’s Tax Service, from which she retired at the age of 82.. Her incredible memory at the age of 100 allowed us to refer to her as a super-ager. She had both vision and hearing issues as she aged, but never lost the story-telling skills that she enjoyed sharing with others. She made new friends daily, as she always made every person she met seem special to her. God now has her in his hands: we will keep her in our hearts.
Janice received excellent care at Bristol Village Skilled Nursing. The family thanks the entire staff, not wishing to list their names for fear of omitting anyone. Her “favorites” knew who they were, and it was all of them. She and the family refer to her caregivers as angels.
Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Friday, April 18, 2024 at the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth with Paul Girdley officiating. Interment will be in Scioto Burial Park in McDermott. Visitation will begin on Friday starting at 11:00 AM. Condolences may be sent to www.rogerwdavisfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: Hospice (National Church Residences), 142 University Drive, Chillicothe, Ohio, 45601 and Garnet Wilson Public Library, The New Chapter, 207 N. Market St. Waverly, Ohio 45690
