Janice Elaine White

August 18, 1942 – December 5, 2025

---

Janice Elaine White, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away December 5, 2025 peacefully surrounded by loved ones after a 15-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born on August 18, 1942, in Walker, Minnesota, and raised on a farm in Starkweather, North Dakota—an upbringing that shaped her resilience, humor, and lifelong appreciation for hard work and family.

Jan was the only girl among three older brothers until her younger sisters arrived several years later. She attended a one-room country school through seventh grade, where she learned to run fast, throw a softball, and hold her own among the boys. Though shy by nature, she found confidence through sports and school plays during her high-school years, discovering strengths that would serve her for a lifetime.

After graduation, she moved to Colorado for new opportunities. She found work at Montgomery Ward as a typist, but more importantly, she found Allen Shields, whom she met through friends of her brother, Gordon. Together Jan and Allen raised three daughters in Elizabeth, Colorado, where Jan embraced rural life (again) and lived by her motto: “When times get tough, it’s better to laugh than cry.”

After 24 years of marriage, Jan began a new chapter on her own. She rediscovered her independence through sports, hiking, camping, dancing, traveling, and staying close to family and friends.

In 1996, life brought Jan an unexpected gift when she met Frank White at The Hartford Insurance Company. What started as friendship flourished into marriage and a lifelong partnership. Together they traveled the world—including Switzerland, a lifelong dream for Jan.

Family was always the center of Jan’s life. She adored her husband, siblings, daughters, grandchildren and great-grandson, forming meaningful bonds wherever she went—including a special relationship with a “bonus granddaughter” Amelia.

To all who knew her, Jan was a source of warmth, calm, and caring. She possessed a unique wisdom—knowing instinctively when to listen, when to hug, when to pause, and when to laugh. Many lovingly called her “Mom,” a testament to the comfort and care she offered so freely.

Jan was preceded in death by her brother Gordon Adams; her parents Wendall and Dodie Adams; her mother-in-law and cherished second mother, Edna Harrison; and her stepson Jason White.

She is survived by her husband Frank White; siblings Dennis Adams, Glenn Adams, Deanna Syverson, and Shary Davis; daughters Theresa Anuszewski (Bill), Kathy Lawless (Dave), Debbie Thibault (Shane), and Jennifer Douglas (Matt); five grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

Jan’s life touched countless people, and her legacy of kindness, humor, and unwavering love will remain in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

To honor Jan’s memory, the family suggests donations to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in lieu of flowers. www.mdanderson.org or1-866-416-3053.

Funeral will be held Thursday January 29, 2026 at Mountain View Funeral Home Chapel 7900 E. Main Street, Mesa, Arizona 85207. Family to receive guests at 1:00 PM; Service to begin at 1:30pm. Burial will take place Friday January 30, 2026 10:00 AM at National Cemetery of Arizona, 2929 E Pinnacle Peak Road, Phoenix, AZ 85024 please arrive at 9:45 AM.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday February 1, 2026, 11:00 AM at the VFW Post 7968, 250 S Phelps Drive, Apache Junction, AZ 85120.