It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Janice A. Blair of Waukee, IA — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
The following words honor a life that mattered to many.
The hands that raised children leave fingerprints on the future.
Janice A. Blair, 90, of Waukee, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Janice was born December 6, 1935, in Osceola, Iowa, the daughter of Marion Wesley and Lucille Vanice (Reynolds) Ford. She received her education in Osceola and graduated in 1953.
She later moved to Des Moines with her friend Dorothy, where they worked together at Bankers Life. On August 28, 1955, she married Norman "Guy" Blair. They made their home in Waukee. In 1957, they welcomed their first child, Kevin. Their daughter Shelly followed in 1966.
Janice helped run the family business as the bookkeeper for Guy's Auto Service while raising their children. As her children grew older, she continued her career with Multiplex Business Forms and Financial Forms, where she later retired.
Janice enjoyed spending her summers at Clear Lake, where she made unforgettable memories with family and lifelong friends. She also loved antiquing, working on family genealogy, reading, gardening, cooking, and sewing.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Guy, in 2020; a daughter, Susan; brothers Kay and David; and an infant brother.
Janice is survived by her children, Kevin Blair of Panora and Shelly (Eric) Newland of Waukee; three grandchildren, Chelsea (Steven) Burns, Cole (Samantha) Pederson, and Jeremy Newland; and three great-grandchildren, Amelia, Presley, and Casey.
Visitation will be from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Both will be held at Iles Brandt Chapel in Dallas Center. Private family burial will take place at Waukee Cemetery.
Online condolences may be left at www.ilescares.com.
Please visit the livestream on Janice's obituary page where a link will be established just prior to the services.
Arrangements by Iles Brandt Chapel.
