Janice Ruth Wake

Janice Ruth Wake, passed peacefully at her home in her sleep. She was welcomed into Heaven by the person she missed most, her husband Carl, and her Heavenly Father on Monday December 9th, 2024.

Janice was the oldest child born to Mary Jo and John (Bocha) Purcelli on March 1, 1932. Her brother Harry was born in 1938 and Phil in 1945. She also had three brothers who passed away shortly after their births.

Her life began on the family ranch near Newcastle, Wyoming. The ranch house did not have electricity, running water or a heater. Janice rode a horse to a one room schoolhouse near the ranch until she began High School, graduating in 1949. There she met the love of her life, Carl L. Wake, through a youth group at the Methodist Church. The two got married on September 29,1950, at the ages of 19 and 20. Over the next few years, they welcomed three children – Kathy, Marv, and Steve. Janice was always interested in politics and began her courthouse career while still in Newcastle. In 1964, her family relocated to Worland where Carl began full time employment with Wyoming Army National Guard. Janice worked at Hake Realty until she was elected Washakie County Clerk and served two terms. Following retirement from the county, she was happily employed by First American Title Co. for the next 20 years.

Carl wanted to be closer to a fishing hole, so they bought their own little slice of heaven, a small house in Hyattville, where they worked tirelessly, but spent many joyful days with their children and grandchildren in tow. Janice had a large and bountiful garden that she tended to caringly. Many canned vegetables were enjoyed throughout the winters.

Janice was an active and dedicated member of the United Methodist Church. She attended services weekly for the last 60 years. Sundays were for Church and connecting on the phone with her loved ones and strengthening family ties, resulting in a busy signal for hours (and hours). Callers could often overhear Fox News or ESPN Sports blaring in the background. Grandpa and Grandma attended almost every event of their granddaughters' various activities, sporting events, and choir or band concerts, even if the events were out of town. They were truly the most involved parents and grandparents anyone could have asked for. Besides her grandchildren, she was always cheering on the Denver Nuggets, Broncos, and Rockies.

She actively volunteered at Circle J Church Camp and Meals on Wheels. She was a longtime active member of the Worland DOES and drove #93 as a serving conductor for many years. She was a devout Republican who loved politics. She enjoyed playing Bridge and was actively involved in games a few times a week until her passing.

She was known for her "famous" baked goods and graciously delivered them to someone almost daily. Some of our family favorites include (but not limited to) her homemade chicken and noodles, Grandma Meade's Cake (Nesquick Chocolate Cake), poppy seed bread, cinnamon rolls, stove top popcorn, and apple pie. Food was Grandma Wake's love language and was the way she would serve others unconditionally, just as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ calls us to do. Before Grandpa would go fishing or hunting, you could find Grandma in the kitchen baking and cooking so he and all his buddies would eat well. When grandchildren visited, coming home was an occasion to celebrate. It meant their favorite dinner and dessert would be prepared as well as something extra baked to take for the road. We always offered to bring "nice and sturdy" paper plates for gatherings, but there were no paper products allowed on her tables. She lovingly remembered each family members' favorite dessert and without fail, always had many of them made for family gatherings. She never met a stranger and often invited "new" people to Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Her family often joked that she found mystery people from "under the bridge" to join us. She never missed hosting a holiday meal in her home, including her grand finale two weeks prior to her passing which included cooking for and serving 30 family members for Thanksgiving. She insisted on being the last one seated, making sure everyone got what they needed first. You were in trouble if you didn't go back for seconds, and a variety of desserts were immediately served following the meal. Our stomachs and hearts were always overflowing with her delicious food and the unending love that she so graciously and abundantly poured into us.

Her life was full of love, happiness, and joy which radiated from her, everywhere she went, and it contributed to her being known as the kindest, most pleasant lady, who loved to visit. She was a true nurturer and caretaker; taking care of each of her parents until their passing. Janice was a loving rock for her husband Carl during his battles with cancer. She was by his side to the end. She was gentle and generous with people, and it was immediately apparent, whether you were a close friend, or a new acquaintance on the way to becoming a close friend. But most of all, she was our mother and grandmother, and great grandmother whom God blessed us with for so many special years; and for that, we thank Him. A huge void will be in our hearts and lives, but we take comfort in knowing we will see her again, because she knew Jesus and served him faithfully. Her legacy will truly live on forever in the hearts of her children, all her grandchildren,as well as far reaching extended family and the wonderful Worland community. Although our hearts are broken, we can only imagine how happy Grandpa Wake was to see her after a long nine and a half years apart. We know they are dancing together again in heaven with big smiles on their faces.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Jo and John Purcelli; husband, Carl Wake; mother-in-law, Laura Meade; brother-in-law, Clarence Huntley; sister-in-law, Marilyn Purcelli, and numerous aunts and uncles, cousins, and some of her best friends.

She is survived by her children, Kathy (Dave) Hecht, Marv (SanDee) Wake, Steve Wake, all of Worland; grandchildren, Katie (Tyler) Jones, Christie (Jason) Bozicevich, Nathan (Megan) Scheetz, Codi (Kyle) Jorgensen, Brooke (Anthony) Guadagna, Brittany Tidemann, Chelsea (Jerel) Moore, and Kinley (Pete) Maxwell; and 19 great-grandchildren including her newest 4-month-old great grandson, Mack, who she got to meet and snuggle with over Thanksgiving. She is also survived by her two loving brothers, Harry Purcelli and Phil (DeAnn) Purcelli. The three siblings shared a very special camaraderie and playful bond.

Funeral services will be held at the Worland United Methodist Church, 1301 Big Horn Avenue, on December 17, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. A reception will follow at the RER building adjacent to the Methodist Church. All are welcome to gather and share fond memories; and of course, all will be fed just as Grandma would have done. Memorials dontations may be made to the Circle J Ranch or the United Methodist Church in memory of Janice. Please send checks to PO Box 524, Worland, Wyoming, 82401. Online condolences may be made at http://www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.