Janice K. Van Pelt, 60 years of Leesburg, died Sunday, December 4, 2011 at her residence. She was born April 27, 1951 in Hillsboro, OH., the daughter of the Late Maynard Smith and Dorothy (Lieurance) Smith of Leesburg. Janice was a member of the Leesburg United Methodist Church, a graduate of Fairfield High School Class of 1969. After graduation, Janice worked at Agri- Co Fertilizer Company in Washington C.H. for 20 years after which she worked with her father in the Maynard Smith Insurance Agency from 1978 until his death in 1989. Janice continued to operate the Maynard Smith Insurance Agency until her death.
Janice loved camping and had an avid interest in Quarter Horses, being a member of AQHA, NSBA and the Ohio Quarter Horse Association. On June 15, 1969 she was united in marriage to Robert R. “Bob” Van Pelt who survives. She is also survived by her mother Dorothy Smith; two daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Chris Hurless of Leesburg, Emily and Jason Rice, Sr. of Leesburg, five grandchildren, Jason Rice, Jr., Shelby Rice, Caleb Rice, Spencer Hurless, Blake Hurless; two brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, William K. and Sandra Van Pelt of Columbus, OH., Beverly and Michael Young of Lancaster, OH., several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
Funeral services will held 11:00 A.M. Thursday, December 8, 2011 at the Leesburg United Methodist Church. Pastor Tom Knauff and Rev. Robert Carroll will officiate with burial following in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Leesburg. Friends may call Wednesday from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Leesburg United Methodist Church. The Thompson Funeral Home in Hillsboro is in charge of arrangements. Family request memorials to the Fairfield Athletic Department, 11611 State Route 771, Leesburg, OH 45135 or the American Cancer Society, 2808 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45206. To sign our online quest book, please visit us at www.thompsonfuneralhomes.com
