Janice Ehmke

Janice Ehmke

Janice Lee Ehmke, 86, of Parkersburg, passed away March 16, 2025, at Elison of Marietta, an assisted living facility in Marietta, Ohio. She was born Feb. 26, 1939, in Rock Island, IL, a daughter of the late Victor F. Geerts and Eva Marie Ragland Wendt.

Jan graduated from Stadium High School in Tacoma, Washington in 1956. She then moved to Redondo Beach, California, where she met her husband, Paul Ehmke. They lived briefly in Chicago before settling in West Virginia. They were happily married for 51 years until he passed in 2012.

Throughout her life, she had a lifelong love of learning and caring for those around her. She was always there for those she loved. Jan was very bright and well-read and had a sophisticated sense of style. She loved listening to music, playing word puzzles, games, and enjoyed reading in her spare time. Jan could answer any trivia question and loved watching Jeopardy. If you saw her around town, she was most likely talking and making friends. She had a passion for working in her yard and making her home beautiful. To sum her up, she was the definition of a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother.

Surviving are her two daughters and their families: Sheila Parliament (Michael) of Plymouth, MI, their two sons: Matthew and Samuel Parliament and Kathleen Richards, her son Colin McLain (Nicole) and grandsons Baker and Brody and her daughter, Jesslyn Shank (Huntar) and granddaughters Everly, Rosalie and Halle, along with nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Janice was preceded in death by her husband Paul R. Ehmke Jr. in 2012, brother Victor Geerts and sister Carol Ebbett.

In following Mrs. Ehmke’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral. After cremation, she will rest in peace alongside her loving husband.

Memorial contributions in Janice’s name may be made to the American Heart Association PO Box 840692 Dallas, TX 75284-0692.

Leavitt Funeral Home, Parkersburg is assisting the family with arrangements.