Janice Ida Bivens

Janice Ida Bivens, 89, passed away on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at Copper Creek Cottages Memory Care in Lincoln. She was born on both Father’s Day and the Summer Solstice on June 21, 1931 in Chester, IL to Kenneth A. and Lydia T. Decker Pautler. She married Billy Joe Bivens on December 30, 1950 and they divorced in 1977. Her parents and Billy Joe preceded her in death.

She is survived by four sons: Kenett (Charlotte) Bivens, Anthony (Sharon) Bivens, Jeffrey (Sue) Bivens, all of Springfield and Christopher (Susan) Bivens of Crossville, TN; nine grandchildren, C. Michael (Emily), Amanda, Kristin (Gustav Wiberg), Meaghan (Jordan Hoffman), Michelle (Andrew Sylvia), Rachel (Dan Hizer), Elizabeth (Tom Logan), Chelsie (Brad Meinders), and Bobbie (Matt Decker); eleven great-grandchildren; and one sister, Donna (Bob) Dieckman of Florissant, MO.

Jan was a member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church and a long serving volunteer at the Springfield Senior Center, CAREGIVERS and Interfaith Volunteer Services through Third Age Living. She graduated with a degree from Springfield College of IL. She served as a realtor for K & L Real Estate.  She was also credited with starting a Cub Scout Pack in Evansville, IL.

Jan loved to sing and play cards, especially bridge and pinochle for clubs in Springfield and Chester.  She was also a Charter Member of the Harmony First Barbershop Chorus from 1977-1986.  She enjoyed gardening and grew produce and flowers for her family, friends and neighbors.

Jan’s parting words, “Enjoy life while you can. You can if you keep God in it and you help others.”

Visitation: 5 – 7 pm, Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at Staab Funeral Home – Sherman.

Funeral Mass: 10 am, Thursday, May 27, 2021 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church with Rev. George P. Nellikunnel, S.A.C. officiating.  Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or by doing a good deed for others.

CDC Protocol shall be followed.

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