Janet Little 77, of Gilbert, Arizona passed away August 14, 2019.
She was born April 13, 1942 in Scott City Kansas to James and Fern Finley. As a young girl, she grew accustomed to moving frequently following her father’s work which included living in Germany for 2 years while she was in Junior High. She would say it was the consistent practice of meeting new people that taught her how to embrace friends so easily.
Janet attended Fort Hays State University, in Kansas where she completed her Bachelor’s in Education. It was there that she met the love of her life, Ron Little. Ron and Jan were married on 9/2/62 and while living in Kansas, they had 2 sons, Bradley Harold and Burton James. Their family moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1977 and eventually grew to a family of 6 with the births of Renee’ Ruth and Ryan Christopher.
Jan was a teacher for many years and ran a home daycare for a time, but being a wife and a mother were the passions of her life. She was the anchor in the storm, the peaceful embrace, a second mom to so many. If you met her, then you were enveloped in her love and adopted by her heart.
What is important to say about this beautiful woman is that she imparted love and grace to every person who was ever blessed to meet her. She was and still is a light, a true representation of the love of Christ, a precious gift that we were blessed to have in our lives. She was Love. She IS Love.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at 11AM at Hillsong Church Mesa Campus, 655 University Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85203.
I have known Jan since they moved to Arizona in 1977. She was the most sweetest lady I knew. Her love for Jesus, her family and friends was amazing. A beautiful woman of God and Christ like. It has been my honor and privilege to of known Jan. She will be missed greatly but knowing she is with our Father in Heaven is exciting. We will see her again. Love you Jan
I had the great joy of knowing Mrs. Little while coaching her son, Brad. There is nothing more important than being a Christian wife and mother. Her family is one of her great legacies and is an outstanding example of the effect of the life that she lived.
God Bless all of the family and it is comforting to know that we have the promise as believers, that we will get to see her again.
Tom Tyree
Ron and family
We are so sorry to hear about Jan. We extend our sympathy to you Ron and
to your entire family.
We were in Jan and Ron”s wedding in 1962, and have remained friends all the 57 years. On the occasions we were together, Jan was always happy and a warm person and was a joy to be around. Today she is with her Savior but she will still be missed.
Love Rod and Bonnie Shaffer
Mark and I have very few of significant life memories which do not include Ron, Jan and family.
Jan was the model of grace, friendship and unconditional love. The care she expressed was genuine and her laugh infectious. She loved her family and friends deeply, fiercely and entirely.
For myself, spending time with Jan always made me want to be a better person. Knowing Jan and having her in my life was a rare gift.
Our deepest sympathy and prayers for grace and peace go to all of Jan’s beloved family.
Mark and Mary Cannon
My wife and I first met Jan and Ron about four years ago. We were invited by a mutual friend to pray for at-risk youth outside a youth care facility. It was cold and dark that night and we weren’t sure what to expect, but the Little’s love for the hurting youth in that building warmed our hearts. Miss Jan’s genuine hug and smile lit up the darkness. We instantly knew we were in the presence of friends who had fallen in love with the gospel and who exuded grace. We instantly became good friends… as if we had known each other for decades. Miss Jan’s genuine hugs and loving smile, in spite of any physical pain she might be experiencing at the moment, made it hard to leave their home. Her sweetness was/is a true picture of Grace.
We are saddened deeply by her passing and sincerely wish we could have spent more time with her on this side of heaven, but we look forward to the family reunion in our Savior’s presence one day. We love you Little family.
Thank you Coach Tyree for taking the time to post such kind thoughts for my Jan. . I will always remember you as coach. 🙂 God bless you brother!
Ron
Thank you for sharing Arin.
I live you brother.
Ron
Thank you Larry and Helen.
Fond memories. ?
Ron
Thank you Rod and Bonnie!
Love you.
Ron
Omar and Vanassa.
Thank you so much for sharing. It means so much. Jan loved you dearly, and so do I.
Blessings
Ron
I also Love you! ?
Thank you Mark and Mary.
Just reading your names stirs up wonderful memories.
Jan and I live you dearly.
Ron
Thank you for sharing Arlin.
I agree with your comments completely.
So thankful that one day there will be a glorious reunion @
Love you brother.
Ron