Billie Janss

Billie Lee Janss, 71, returned home on February 1, 2018, unexpectedly.  She was born to proud parents Donald E. Janss and Marian M. Hall Janss in Belle Plaine, Iowa, on August 16, 1946.

Her life involved a journey of learning.  She quickly earned quad-bachelor degrees in science from the University of Iowa and added in two masters degrees in education.  She selflessly shared that knowledge with countless others throughout the years.  She always described herself as a scientist who teaches. Talking with Billie was always fascinating.

Billie possessed an adventurous spirit that led her to a life of joy and fulfillment.  She loved sewing and crafts.  She loved travel.  She loved Eastern Star and Rainbow.  She loved the church and all her friends.  So many people loved her like family and she loved them the same.

She adored her bassett hound, Cherize.

One of her deepest passions was for her beloved Iowa Hawkeyes.  Whether going to a game, routing for them on tv, or just decked out in her endless supply of Hawkeye gear, she was a fan thru and thru.

Billie faced many adversities in life, but overcame them all through hard-work, intelligence, and tenacity.  If something needed to get done, you could count on Billie to be the one to do it.

Billie touched the lives of untold numbers.  She was a truly beautiful woman who will be deeply missed.

Billie was preceded in death by her father, Donald Janss.  She is survived by her son, Aaron Janss of Clifton, CO; her daughter, Niccole Gray of Clifton, CO; her grandchildren, Prince Gray, Deirdre Gray, Cora Gray, and Gabriel Gray of Clifton, CO; her mother, Marian Janss of Grand Junction, CO; her brother, David Janss of Reseda, CA; and her sister, Teresa Janss-Anderson (Rodney) of Cedar Rapids, IA.

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at 10:00 am, at First United Methodist Church, 522 White Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501.  She will be buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Belle Plaine, Iowa.

Memorials can be made to the University of Iowa Medical Research Centers, 501 Newton Road, Iowa City, Iowa, 52240.

Services have been entrusted to Browns Cremation and Funeral Services.