A Story of Love, Faith, and Going Home

Janice Elaine (Heersink) Miller

Janice Elaine Miller was born on June 29, 1940, in rural Alamosa, Colorado—at home, with love already waiting for her. Her grandmother, Van, served as the midwife who welcomed her into the world, setting the tone for a life that would always be marked by care, presence, and quiet strength.

Janice was the oldest of ten children, the firstborn daughter of John William Heersink and Oriana Van Iwaarden Heersink. Long before anyone would name it, she was already becoming who she would be for the rest of her life: a nurturer, a steady center, and a safe place. She grew up surrounded by siblings, especially close to her brothers John and Tom, sharing adventures and responsibilities alike. Caring for others wasn’t something she learned later—it was woven into her from the beginning.

After graduating from high school, Janice moved with her family to Prairie View, Kansas, in 1959. It was there—and everywhere life would take her—that her quiet confidence and capable spirit continued to shine. Janice knew who she was. She carried a deep assurance that if something needed to be done, she could do it. And she did—often without fanfare, and always with love.

To know Janice was to feel encouraged and uplifted. She gave the very best hugs—the kind that made you feel instantly at home. Babies fit perfectly against her chest, and they always seemed to settle there. She had a sharp wit, a full and hearty laugh, and expressive blue eyes that could convey both delight and, when needed, loving correction. She loved fiercely. And if she was cross with you, one look was usually enough to set things right.

Janice lived out her calling as a Nursing Assistant and Unit Secretary for nearly 38 years. Nursing was not just her profession; it was an extension of her heart. She served others with skill, dignity, and compassion, often caring for people she would later run into at the grocery store, church, or around town. Her special niche was mamas and newborn babies. No one was a stranger to her. Even ordinary errands became social events, filled with conversation and connection. She never considered herself better than anyone else, and she had a way of making everyone she encountered feel seen.

After retiring, Janice continued her ministry of care by helping take care of her great-nephew Joey, a joy to both her and her husband, Art. Serving others was always her language of love.

Home was where Janice’s love was most deeply felt. Sitting around the table—especially the one her husband Art refinished—sharing coffee, meals, joys, and sorrows with family and friends captured her at her best. Her grandchildren knew exactly where the special treats were kept, and they could always count on blueberry waffles, chocolate chip cookies, and unconditional love. There was nearly always banana bread in the freezer and a pot of hot coffee on the burner, ready for whoever might walk through the door.

Janice showed love in the small, faithful ways: hugs and kisses hello and goodbye, prayers offered quietly and consistently, handwritten entries in her prayer journals. She kept many of them, filled with her careful script. Whether waiting for laundry or sitting in her recliner, she prayed—steadfastly lifting up those she loved.

Music was another way Janice expressed her soul. She loved playing the piano and singing, especially with her grandchildren. As a young woman, she had a beautiful soprano voice; later in life, it deepened into a rich tenor. Even after moving into the nursing home, she sought out the pianos hidden in hallways, playing them for an audience of one—and for the Lord she knew was always with her.

Faith was not something Janice spoke about loudly; it was something she lived daily. She kept Bibles throughout her home—by her coffee, her bed, and her recliner—each one marked and highlighted with verses for every season of life. She trusted deeply in the promises of God, especially the words of Proverbs: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding… and He shall direct your paths.” Her faith sustained her through mountain-top joys, long valleys, and desert seasons. When her husband Art endured cancer treatments, her strength rested firmly in Jesus, and the Holy Spirit carried them through.

Janice and Arthur’s love story began in 1967 on a blind date in Norton, Kansas. Though their journey included time apart and unexpected turns, God’s faithfulness never wavered. They were married on September 19, 1969, at Luctor Christian Reformed Church and built a life rooted in love, faith, and family. Together they raised three daughters—Tanya Dawn, Julie Ellen, and Andrea Dale—and later delighted in their grandchildren. They shared 47 years of marriage filled with camping adventures, outdoor pursuits, and faithful service within their church community until Art was called home to his Savior on October 12, 2017.

Strength was something Janice carried quietly. She bore pain with grace, never wanting others to worry. Her kindness, tact, and gentle confidence were her superpowers. She modeled perseverance without preaching it, humility without shrinking, and grace without conditions.

In her final days, Janice was surrounded by love as she prepared to go home—to her heavenly Father and Savior. As her grandson Theodore so beautifully expressed, her life was not something she secured for herself, but a gift held safely in Christ. She answered Jesus’ invitation to rest, trusting fully in the promise of eternal life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, John and Mark Heersink, and a sister-in-law, Judy Heersink.

Survivors include her three daughters: Tanya Czarnecki and husband Jim of Erie, PA, Julie Quaring and husband Philip of Shelton, NE, and Andrea Keesee and husband Dennis of Phillipsburg; five grandchildren: Andrew Czarnecki, Theodore and Isabella Keesee, and Anna and Aaron Quaring; five brothers: Tom and wife Marcia, Larry, Norman and wife Connie, Stephen and wife Marlene, and Phillip; and sisters: Grace Kresie and husband Bryce and Ora Lynne Smith and husband Rex.

Today, we trust that Janice is whole, at peace, and reunited—with loved ones gone before her, and with the God she loved so deeply. We rejoice even in our sorrow, confident that death does not have the final word.

Janice Elaine Miller loved Jesus. She knew her Father in a deeply personal way. Her legacy lives on in the faith she modeled, the prayers she prayed, and the love she poured into her family and community. The seeds she planted through a lifetime of quiet faithfulness continue to grow in those she loved.

And they always will.

Cremation was planned. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Luctor Christian Reformed Church with Pastor Shawn Richardson officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Luctor Cemetery.

Friends may sign the book on Thursday, February 26th, and Friday, February 27th, in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, where the family will receive friends from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. for visitation Friday, February 27th, in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to Teens for Christ or Luctor Christian Reformed Church.

Hugunin Family Funeral Homes, Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.