Janice D. Barton

Janice Dean Barton, 83, of Sedalia, MO passed away, Saturday, March 4, 2023, at her home. She was born on February 4, 1940, in Crane, MO, the daughter of John S. Steele and Willa Dean (Metcalf) Steele, who preceded her in death.

Janice grew up on a farm with her parents, 3 brothers and a sister outside of Crane, MO. Some of her best memories were on the farm playing with her siblings. She spent many hours playing hide and seek with her brothers or playing dress-up upstairs with her sister, Kay. Janice started dating Bill when she was 13 years old. Many of their dates consisted of them breaking into the school at night and hanging out in the gym. That must be why she loved watching and being around basketball so much. She had many good friends in high school and was active in many things. She was a cheerleader, twirled the baton, played volleyball and was the FFA Queen. After high school, she went to beauty school and her father bought her a shop in Crane. On August 12, 1961, in Crane, MO, she was united in marriage to Billy K. Barton, who resides in the home.

Janice lived in Crane, MO, for 25 years until she and her husband moved to Urbana, MO so Bill could teach and coach. They lived in Urbana for two years and then moved to their final residence in Sedalia, MO. Janice loved the outdoors. She and Bill would take the girls camping at Pomme de Terre Lake many weekends throughout their childhood. Janice enjoyed traveling and visited almost all 50 states, seeing all the wonders of the United States. She went on several different cruises with some of her good friends. Beach vacations were one of her favorites even though she never learned to swim. Their first beach vacation was to Biloxi Beach when the girls were very young. She would sit with her girls and play in the sand or in the low water areas of the ocean. This tradition continued even after her girls grew up and she had grandchildren. Every year she would plan a vacation for the entire family. Our last vacation together was the week of Thanksgiving 2022 when we hopped on a flight and went to Florida, so she could watch her only granddaughter get married on the beach. This was a great trip. Family was very important to Janice. She had her daughters active in many different activities growing up. She coached her girls baton twirling team and their softball teams. She was a girl scout leader and really enjoyed being a positive role model in so many girls’ lives. As the grandchildren got older, she didn't like to miss any of their sporting events or activities. She would travel all over to get the chance to cheer on one of her grandkids. They were the most important thing in her life.

Janice liked to be active in the community. She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and taught the youth in Sunday School. She was also a member of the Cosmopolitan Junior Woman's Club. Janice was named Outstanding Young Woman of the year in 1974. If Janice wasn't coaching or watching her kids or grandkids, you could find her at the State Fair Community College gym cheering on her husband as he was coaching his Roadrunners. Watching Bill coach was one of her favorite things to do. She was very disappointed when Bill retired and wasn't sure what she was going to do now that there were no longer games to attend. Janice enjoyed all sporting events that she attended.

After moving to Sedalia, Janice quit being a hair stylist and worked a variety of jobs. While her daughters were young, she worked and volunteered at their elementary school. She managed the Fresh n Rich Ice Cream store for many years before she started working at JC Penney. Janice worked at JC Penney for 23+ years. She was the display manager for many years and traveled around setting up new JC Penney stores. She retired from JC Penney in 2003. She made many valuable friends during her time at JC Penney, including her best friend, Sue Martin.

Besides her husband, she is survived by; four daughters, Deanna Hope of Sedalia, Gwenda Barton of Springfield, MO, Kendra Barton of Sedalia, and Sonya Schnicker (Kevin) of Osage Beach, MO; five grandchildren, Drew Hope of Kansas City, MO, Alexandria Russell (PJ) of Brandon FL, Ashton Barton of Grain Valley MO, Evan Schnicker (Cilinda) of Osage Beach MO, and Donovan Schnicker of Osage Beach, MO.; a great-granddaughter, Civiyah Schnicker; a sister, Kay Bequette of Marionville, MO; a brother, Eddie Steele of Livonia, MI; two half brothers, Harold Steele (Leann) of Crane, MO, and Gary Steele (Sandy) of Crane, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her two brothers Don Steele and Jack Steele.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at Wesley United Methodist Church with Pastor Dennis Harper officiating.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the church.

Burial will be at Crane Community Cemetery, Crane, MO.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Schnicker, Martin White, Drew Hope, Ashton Barton, Evan Schnicker, and Donovan Schnicker.

Honorary bearers will be Sue Martin, Barb White, and Sonya Foster.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.