Janice Sue Grim

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around her, Janice Grim lived fully in the moments she was given while holding her loved ones near. She loved joking around and making people smile, and her zest for life was truly contagious. Nothing was more near and dear to Janices heart than her family, and she was filled with unspeakable joy to witness her family tree blossom to include the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren she adored. Although she accomplished so much of which to be proud, she was a humble woman who used her gifts and talents to brighten the lives of others. Deeply loved, Janice will be forever missed.

As the 1940s dawned, the eyes of America were focused overseas as WWII continued to cover more and more of Europe. Although we had hopes of remaining neutral, those hopes were dashed with the vicious attack on our naval base in Pearl Harbor on December 8, 1941. It was just prior to this historic day that Edger J. and Vera (Hockemeyer) Bauermeister were thrilled to announce the birth of the baby girl they named Janice Sue on July 18, 1941, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was joined in her family by her sister, Connie, and in many ways she was a young girl of her generation. Janice attended Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne with her family, and she also went to grade school there. She went on to graduate from Concordia Lutheran High School in 1959.

Life was forever changed for Janice when she met the young man of her dreams. His name was Lloyd W. Grim, and they met when he was the mechanic servicing her car. Sparks flew, and they began dating. It wasnt long before the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Janice and Lloyd were married on June 24, 1961, at her church. The newlyweds purchased and moved to his uncles house on Shriner Lake north of Columbia City. This was the place they called home for the 55 years that followed. Together they welcomed three children including Steven, Michael, and Janene into their hearts and home. As her children grew older, Janice worked outside the home including at Hile and Parnell dentist office for 21 years, Richards Restaurant for 10 years, Columbia City Collection Agency from 2003-2014, and she had currently been working at the Dollar Tree.

Throughout her life, Janice loved having her family around. One of the greatest gifts she received was the award of becoming a grandmother. One of Janices favorite ways to show her love to her family was through her cooking and baking. She made the most amazing salsa, and at Christmastime Janice made fantastic cookie platters for all her family and close friends. During the Halloween season she would fill little bags of candy to give to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Receiving these little bags filled with surprises was not just limited to Halloween as she regularly had bags filled with something like cookies, various sweets, and toys to hand out to her family. On November 29, 2008, Janice lost the love of her life. After Lloyd passed, she picked up oil painting and was so excited to sell her first piece of art at the Lakeland Art Gallery. In fact, she practically called every single person she could think of to tell them the exciting news! Janice always enjoyed painting with her friend, Sarah, and after they finished their work they almost always enjoyed a glass of wine together.

In addition to her painting, Janice kept busy with other things she enjoyed. On Saturday evenings, she went into Fort Wayne to attend church at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. Afterwards, she usually went out to eat with her old classmates and friends. In addition, Janice was active at the church when it came to helping decorate, cleaning, and getting communion ready. Janice enjoyed bowling and was on a ladies bowling league in Columbia City, but she and Lloyd had been on a mixed bowling team for a time as well. They also enjoyed golfing together and riding snowmobiles. Also within her community, Janice was a member of Moose Senior Region, Relay for Life, and Lakeland Art Association. She loved being outside in the sun whether it was laying out, sitting with family and friends, gardening, taking pontoon rides around the lake or even meticulously cleaning off her front deck. Recently, Janice started crocheting and was able to complete her first blanket, which she gave to her granddaughter. She was almost finished with her second one to give to another granddaughter.

Truly beautiful on the inside and out, Janice Grim was a blessing in the lives of so many whether her family, those in her church, or those within her community. She lived to help others, and with her huge and caring heart she was recognized for this by receiving Whitley County Heart of Gold Award in 2012. A loving wife and mother, Janice took these roles to heart, but she just may have argued that nothing was better than being a grandmother and great-grandmother. With a smile that could brighten up even the darkest of days, she leaves behind a timeless legacy that her loved ones will proudly carry on in her footsteps.

Janice Sue Grim, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly at 6:18 a.m. Tuesday, October 11, 2016, at her home. Janices family includes her daughter, Janene (Derek) Eggers, of Wolcottville; sons, Steven (Sherri) Grim and Michael Grim, both of Columbia City; sister, Connie (Lee) Garber, of Fort Wayne; 8 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Janice was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and a great-grandson.

A Memorial service will be 4 p.m. Sunday, October 16, 2016, at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City with visitation starting at 2 p.m. Certified Funeral Celebrant Sharon Brockhaus will be officiating. Memorial gifts may be given in her memory to Relay for Life or Trinity Lutheran Church. To send Janices family condolences, visit www.demoneygrimes.com


Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. -Winston Churchill

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart -Helen Keller