Janice Marie Watkins passed from this earth on the eighth day of December 2025. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Norman and Jean Splitter. She graduated from Holyrood High School in 1969. On January 1, 1970, Janice married Robert Watkins in Hayes, KS. Janice earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fort Hays Kansas State College, became a Registered Nurse, and completed her Master of Science in Health Management at the University of New Orleans. She is a Certified Professional in Health Quality (CPHQ). Her nursing career includes roles in public health departments in Topeka, KS, and Arkansas, as well as two decades in coastal Maine developing hospice programs. In New Orleans, she worked in quality control at Tulane University Health System; in Milford, CT, she served as Director of Quality Management at Milford Hospital. Janice’s final move was to Marinette, Wisconsin, where she continued her nursing career and contributed to Habitat for Humanity.
She sang on tour in the USSR (now Russia) with the Surry Opera Company and was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church choir in Menominee.
During her time in New Orleans, Janice began race-walking and competed in numerous national and local race events. Additionally, she achieved her Level One USATF Track and Field Coach Certification and served as both a participant and official at college, state, and local track and field events.
Her family and church were central to her life. Janice is survived by the love of her life and husband of 54 years, Robert; she deeply valued her three sons: Todd Alan, George Michael, and James Ryan and their spouses, and grandchildren. She actively participated in church from a young age and showed her faith through her supportive actions and kindness toward others.
Janice’s dedication to her profession and community was evident in every aspect of her life. She touched countless lives through her compassion, leadership, and tireless advocacy for quality healthcare. Her colleagues and friends remember her for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to making a difference wherever she went.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 19th from 4-6pm at Thielen Funeral Home. In addition a Celebration of Life will be held next summer.
