Mary “Janice” Welliver went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, Dec. 26, at Regency on Whidbey’s Harbor Care after a long struggle with dementia.

Born on March 14, 1925, in La Crosse, Wis., Janice was a daughter of the late Severn and Mary Kittleson. She was 3 when the family moved to Tacoma, where she was later given a little sister, Carol Kay “Joan” (Kittleson) Best.

Janice graduated in the spring of 1944 from Pacific Lutheran High School after being elected “Queen of the May” by her classmates. Upon graduation, Janice went to work at Sears Roebuck in the company’s credit department.

Shortly thereafter, she met Joe Welliver, a handsome soldier returning from World War II after serving under General Patton. The two were married on May 21, 1949, at her parents’ home in Tacoma.

The couple settled in Tacoma for the first few years of their marriage before eventually relocating to Whidbey Island. They welcomed their one and only child, Steve Welliver, on Dec. 28, 1952.

Janice stayed at home to raise Steve while working part-time for her husband, who owned and operated Welliver Plumbing and Electric. Janice was an active member of Oak Harbor Methodist Church and, in her later years, volunteered at the Oak Harbor Senior Center.

She had a number of friends with whom she and Joe enjoyed traveling, most notably to locations such as Las Vegas and Victoria, B.C. Janice was a talented gardener who also was known to adopt and care for all kinds of animals. There was never a time in her life when she did not own one, but usually two, dogs.

In addition to her parents, Janice will be welcomed into eternal life by her loving husband of 47 years, Joe Welliver.

She leaves to celebrate her life her son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Hazel Welliver of Oak Harbor, and her sister, Carol Kay “Joan” Best of Tacoma. Known affectionately as “Grandma Jan,” she also leaves behind three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Additionally, she is survived by a number of nieces and nephews, as well as her beloved Schnauzer “Casey.”

The family would like to thank Harbor Care’s nursing and dining staff for their excellent care during Janice’s last weeks of life. At this time, a celebration of life service is being planned for the spring of 2017 for her family.

Janice will be laid to rest next to her husband in Maple Leaf Cemetery in Oak Harbor. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the donor’s charity of choice. Please visit Janice’s page in the book of memories at www.wallinfuneralhome.com to share memories and condolences.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wallin Funeral Home in Oak Harbor.