Janet Lee Witman

Janet (Jan) Lee Witman, 70, passed away on June 13, 2024 surrounded by her family. Jan was born in Columbia City, IN to Keith and Gertrude (Humes) Leckrone on August 21, 1953. Jan was married to her loving husband, Thomas D. Witman on February 19, 1977. Jan is survived by her children Mark Pierce of Syracuse, IN, Jennifer (Sean) Turley of McCordsville, IN, and Thomas K. (Alisha) Witman of Noblesville, IN. Her grandchildren include: Mark A. (Teryn) Pierce Jr., Hollie Pierce, Amber Fuller, Kaylee Pierce, Cole Turley, and Cash Turley. She is preceded in death by her parents, her sisters: Patty (Ed) Hughes, Martha (Butch) Thomas, and brothers: Charles (Beverly) Leckrone, Keith (Helen) Leckrone. She is survived by her sister Diana (Larry) Holding.

Jan grew up on a farm in Pierceton, IN. She was always very proud telling stories from life on the farm and their community. While in high school she worked at her first job at Whitley Products making piping parts. She was also a member of the band and a pom-pom girl. She graduated from Pierceton High School in 1971. She attended Ivy Tech in South Bend where she diligently worked two jobs at Johnson Controls and JC Penney and was able to earn her Associate Degree in Computer Science. This is also where she met her husband, Tom. 

While living in Elkhart, IN she worked at Concord Ox Bow Elementary as a paraprofessional. In Fishers, IN she began as a substitute teacher and secretary for Hamilton Southeastern Schools. She then secured a permanent position with the district and worked at New Britton Elementary, Harrison Parkway Elementary, and Thorpe Creek Elementary over the course of her career before she retired in 2014. She made many friends with the staff, teachers, and parents at the schools. 

Jan loved spending time with her family and friends. She could often be found on the sidelines of her grandsons sporting events, conversing with her "Tribe" over their most recent book club book, sipping on wine with a friend, or playing a practical joke on an unsuspecting victim. She could rarely be found sitting idle as she was always on the go and meeting up for the next social activity.

There was nothing more important to Jan than making memories with her loved ones. She enjoyed traveling with her family. From zip lining in Las Vegas to parasailing in Florida there was no adventure that was out of the question for her. Each trip she took was undoubtedly filled with laughter and joy. Her favorite thing to do on vacation was to sit and listen to the ocean. She could often be found enjoying a cup of coffee (with plenty of cream) daydreaming by the water.

The holidays were always important to Jan. She was as patriotic as they came and enjoyed the American flags draped over the bridge at Geist Reservoir each season and celebrating the Fourth of July watching the best fireworks she could find. Each Easter she insisted on making an "Easter Bunny Cake" with her children and later her grandchildren. It rarely was eaten but the memory of being silly and making it was important to her and the family. At Christmastime she kicked off the season by watching and reciting every line of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. On Christmas Eve she hosted family and friends to an amazing meal and the house was full of laughter. 

Jan always wanted to be remembered as someone who was fun and the life of the party. She has certainly exceeded these expectations. For those of us she leaves behind we can rest assured that she is pain free and rejoicing with those who passed before her. Her character, humor, and joy for life are unsurpassed and will never be forgotten. 

Visitation will be Friday, June 21, 2024 from 2:00pm-4:00pm at Indiana Funeral Care, Harry W. Moore Chapel, 8151 Allisonville Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46250 with the Funeral Service to follow at 4:00pm-5:00pm. The family will also be hosting a Celebration of Life at Wolfies in Pendleton immediately after the funeral service (710 W. State St. Pendleton, IN 46064) from 6:00pm-8:00pm where all are welcome to attend and share memories of Jan and a glass of wine and light appetizers. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation in Jan's memory.