Janet Ruth "Jan" Van Liew
September 18, 1938 ~ October 22, 2025
Janet Ruth "Jan" Van Liew, a beacon of unwavering faith and boundless love, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the age of 87. Born on September 18, 1938, in Dudleytown, Indiana, Jan lived a life characterized by dedication to her family, her church, and her community.
Jan's life story cannot be told without speaking of her deep Christian faith, which guided her actions and enriched every relationship she nurtured. She was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church for 54 years, where she lived out her beliefs through participating in the Altar Guild, teaching Sunday School, engaging in small group gatherings, studying the Bible with her women’s group (WBF), and volunteering with Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS). Her spiritual leadership and compassionate nature not only touched her family but also her community who knew her as a faithful follower of Christ.
She carried out her devotion to her faith with her roles as a homemaker, mother, and "Mimi," pouring her heart into creating a loving home for her family. Jan leaves behind a legacy through her two sons: Michael (Janet Craddock) Van Liew, Jeff (Julie Mathias) Van Liew; her twin daughters, Deborah (Bryan) Todd, and Jacqueline (Jeffrey) Stuckwisch; and her cherished grandchildren Chad (Megan Hackman) Van Liew, Toby Van Liew, Cortney (fiancé, Matt Weimer) Van Liew, Erin (Mark) Smith, Andrew Todd, Daniel (Leslie Martinez) Stuckwisch, Sarah Stuckwisch, Leah (Nick) Rekis, Matthew Stuckwisch, Kyle Van Liew and Jessica (Donald) Miller. She was blessed to have known and loved her great-grandchildren Annie Van Liew, Avery Van Liew, Naomi Stuckwisch, Chloe Stuckwisch, and Eila Miller, and was joyfully anticipating the arrival of Baby Smith. Also left behind are her brothers-in-law, Richard “Dick” Shade and Paul Pomeroy, Sr; half-brother, Galen (Mae) Krumme and a half-sister, Nanette Krumme Burke.
Her beloved husband, Ken, who was the love of her life, preceded her in death in 2019. They are now reunited in eternal love. Jan also rejoins her parents, Henry E. Krumme, Jr. and Bertha Marie (Goecker) Krumme, and her sisters, Melba Krumme Stafford, Edith Krumme Pomeroy, and Sarah Krumme Shade.
Described by those who knew her best as faith-filled, selfless, and wise, Jan served as a pillar of strength and grace to her family. Her memory will be cherished and her presence deeply missed by the many lives she so tenderly influenced.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at Jewell-Rittman Funeral Service and Crematory 3855 25th Street Columbus, IN from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Jan’s funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Grace Lutheran Church, 3201 Central Avenue Columbus, IN, with Pastor Todd Riordan officiating, with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. A live stream of the service may be viewed on the church website: www.gracecolumbus.org. Following the service, she will be laid to rest next to her husband in Riverview Cemetery in Seymour, IN.
Memorial donations may be made to either Grace Lutheran Church or Trinity Lutheran High School in memory of Jan.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Jewell-Rittman Funeral Service and Crematory. You are invited to share condolences and view Jan’s memorial video on the funeral home website: www.jewellrittman.com.
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Walsh’s, Arndt’s, Smits & DeGroff’s purchased the Forever Our Angel Bouquet for the family of Janet Ruth “Jan” Van Liew.
Walsh’s, Arndt’s, Smits & DeGroff’s planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Janet Ruth “Jan” Van Liew.
Full Of Love Bouquet was purchased for the family of Janet Ruth “Jan” Van Liew.
Matt, Heidi, Cory, Holly & Cornelius purchased the Emerald Garden Basket for the family of Janet Ruth “Jan” Van Liew.
Divine Light was purchased for the family of Janet Ruth “Jan” Van Liew.
Such a lovely lady, friend and all-around good person! In my younger years, Jan was my special-and-talented hairdresser, at Mary’s Beauty Salon, in Seymour. She knew exactly how to style my naturally-wavy hair, resulting in a very professional look! Jan was a fine example of God’s love. I will always remember Jan, with fondness. Her family was so nice to me. Jan and Ken made for a special couple. I remember their wedding and reception so well and the fun I had at their reception at the Elk’s Club.
Love,
Kathy (Mack) Strothmann
I will miss my Auntie Jan Jan so very much. I admired her greatly for her tenacity in living life to its fullest even after losing Uncle Kenny and her persistent health issues, especially last year. She traveled near and far to see volleyball games and never said no to a trip to Florida or the Gulf Shores. Just a few weeks ago when my brother, Kevin, and I visited her we did a whirlwind trip to Seymour and Brownsburg to see family. Such a fun day. When we finally dropped her off to make our way back to Ohio, we thought she’d settle in for the night but no! Said she was still going to do her walk. My brother couldn’t believe it as he was wiped out from the day long outing. We shared a good laugh about that. She was a great comfort to our Dad when our Mother passed away and a comfort to him when 6 yrs later his health took a turn for the worse. And when my daughter was little loved having her visit as their own grandchildren weren’t in the picture yet. More than anything she loved her family…worrying about them when troubles arise and celebrating with them on the many many joyous occasions. She dearly loved her friends and her church and throughout her whole life let things be in God’s hands. And that is where she is now, in God’s hands, and that gives me comfort. For her children, my cousins Mike, Debbie, Jackie, and Jeff, their spouses, grandchildren and spouses and fiance, and her great-grandchildren, and all my other cousins, may knowing she is in heaven with your Dad (Uncle Kenny), her sisters, and Grandma K. give you peace and comfort. Your Cousin, Mary
Your friends at Rolls-Royce purchased the Your Light Shines for the family of Janet Ruth “Jan” Van Liew.
Your friends at Rolls-Royce planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Janet Ruth “Jan” Van Liew.
Divine Peace Bouquet was purchased for the family of Janet Ruth “Jan” Van Liew.
Jeff, sorry for your loss! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Colin & Lindsay Griffin purchased the Arrive in Style for the family of Janet Ruth “Jan” Van Liew.
I was always encouraged by Jan’s warm smile.
While I was living in Columbus, I joined the Wednesday women’s Bible study, where she was the oldest member.
Although she had a deep understanding of Scripture, she always showed a sincere desire to know Jesus more.
Her humble faith became a wonderful example for me, as a new believer at that time.
Even though our time together was short, she kindly hosted a farewell party when I moved away and gave me a devotional book as a gift.
It is easy to imagine that many others, like me, have been deeply touched by her love and kindness.
I remember how she always shared prayer requests for her grandchildren.
Seeing her faith inspired me to want to be like her—to keep caring for and praying for others even as I grow older.
I thank the Lord for allowing me to meet Jan, such a beautiful woman of faith.
Maya Kaneda
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Love, Your Trinity Volleyball Family purchased the Your Light Shines for the family of Janet Ruth “Jan” Van Liew.