Janice Lou Shirker

Janice L. Shirker, 84, of Ephrata, passed away at home Saturday, December 2, 2023. Born in Johnstown, Janice was the daughter of the late Lloyd A. and Mabel M. (Ickes) Renick and the loving wife to Russell S. Shirker for 63 years.

At a young age, Janice moved frequently due to her father’s job. They eventually settled in Sarasota, Florida, where Janice grew up. Having relatives in Pa, Janice visited often, and it was during those visits that Janice met the love of her life, Russell S. Shirker. Janice and Russell maintained a long-distance relationship through letters and visits, which eventually led to their marriage on March 12, 1960. They began their lives together in an apartment on Walnut Street in Ephrata. Janice held various administrative jobs before dedicating herself to raising their children, representing the essence of what it meant to be a loving and caring mother. Janice and Russell embarked on an entrepreneurial venture, owning, and operating "Shirkers Pretzel Outlet" in Ephrata for approximately four years. Although they closed the store in 1982, their time as business owners left a lasting impression on their family and community.

Janice was creative and artistic; she had a knack for drawing. Family excursions to their camp in Sullivan County are treasured memories. Janice was an avid reader, she enjoyed getting lost in romance novels and Victorian historical fiction. Her warm and intimate nature made her a beloved "Grandma" to her family, and her friends were always drawn to her genuine and caring personality. Janice was a former member of the Eastern Star and Rainbow Girls during her teenage years. She was also a dedicated member of the former Zion Reformed UCC for over 50 years. Janice leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, and devotion.

In addition to her husband, Janice is survived by three daughters, Deborah D. Buohl (Alan) of Ephrata, Diana M. Gyuras (James) of La Plata MD; Dawn A. Heinsey (Gary) of Denver; six grandchildren, Mallory, Joshua, Russell, Jamie, Mary, Grace; two great grandchildren, Hera, Hazel and two on the way.

Services for Janice are respectfully private, and her final resting place is the Lincoln Cemetery in Ephrata. Contributions in memory of Janice are appreciated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate