Janice L. Churchill, 83, lovingly known to many as Jan, gained her wings on July 17, 2025. Born on October 22, 1941, to Carl and Elsie Swanson, she grew up in Swanton, Nebraska, where she attended school and graduated from Swanton High School. A proud Swanton Jackrabbit, Jan remained deeply connected to her hometown, which she always considered her forever home. She was baptized and a member of the Swanton United Methodist Church, where her quiet but steadfast faith was rooted.

On June 4, 1960, she married Bruce F. Churchill, and together they built a life rooted in love, hard work, and family. They raised three children – Russell (Jayne) Churchill, David (Gail) Churchill, and Carmen (Nate) Hinman – whom Janice loved fiercely and unconditionally. Bruce preceded her in death on January 1, 2018.

After graduating from high school in 1960, Janice held a variety of jobs throughout her life. She began her working years at the Nebraska State Capitol during a brief time living in Lincoln. She and Bruce soon returned to Swanton to farm – where Janice truly shined as the very best farm wife, preparing delicious meals and delivering them to the field, complete with cold beverages wrapped in newspaper. She later worked for several years at Swingster Sewing Company in Fairbury, provided in-home daycare for children, and eventually retired from Farmland Foods in Crete.

Janice was happiest when surrounded by her family, especially during the treasured Thanksgiving gatherings in Estes Park. Every other year, the mountains became a backdrop for celebrating family, food, and Nebraska football – traditions she helped create and looked forward to with all her heart.

She lived a life full of creativity and care. Janice was known for her homemade jelly, cinnamon and croissant rolls, zucchini bread, runzas, and pigs in a blanket. Her love of flowers, her gift for decorating with antiques and primitives, and her passion for sewing, crafting, and cross-stitching filled her home – and her life – with much happiness.

A collector at heart, Janice gathered everything from cookbooks and fabric to holiday decorations – each item a story, a memory, or a future project. She wasn't quick to part with anything, often reminding others that she had "worked hard for that!"

Though not especially outgoing, Janice had a kind heart and the occasional "oh sh*t, Mom, you can't say that" moment that kept everyone on their toes. She adored babies – always eager to babysit – and found joy in life's simple pleasures, like going for a drive with Bruce to get an ice cream cone.

In her later years, Janice endured unrelenting knee pain – undergoing three replacements in the same knee without finding lasting relief. That constant, agonizing pain became a heavy part of her daily life, and in time, dementia also took hold. But through it all, her love for her family and her deep sense of home remained.

Janice is now at peace – free from pain, and back to the things she loved most: baking, crafting, decorating, and being surrounded by some of her favorite people. While we know she will miss her kids and grandkids dearly, in her later years, she often found comfort in memories of her parents and rarely went a day without talking about or longing for "Dad" – her Bruce – whom she missed deeply every single day.

She is survived by her three children and their spouses, four beloved grandchildren – Timothy Tompkins, Bailey Tompkins, Taryn Hinman, and Wylee Hinman – and one great-granddaughter, Bailynn Tompkins. She leaves behind a legacy of love, tradition, resilience, and the comfort of home.

Janice's earthly journey ended under the tender care of Gardenside Long-Term Care and Cottonwood Hospice. Her family is deeply grateful for the comfort and compassion they provided during her final days.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Swanton Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life and luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at the American Legion Hall. Memorials will be accepted by the family and designated in memory of Bruce and Janice Churchill to the Village of Swanton and to Gardenside Long-Term Care. Kuncl Funeral Home of Wilber is assisting the family with arrangements.