Janice Lorraine (Snedeker) Magee

Janice was born on July 21, 1929 in Kearney, NE to Paul and Clara Snedeker.  She passed away January 25, 2018 at Yuma Life Care at the age of 88.  She was the third child of six children.

Janice’s family moved to Yuma in 1930 due to her father’s transfer to be the manager of the J.C. Penney store.  Yuma would be Jan’s home for the rest of her life.  Jan attended school in Yuma and graduated from Yuma High School in 1948.  She went on to attend Colorado A&M (CSU) in Fort Collins for one year.  She returned to Yuma to be with her boyfriend, one of the rowdy Magee boys, Sandy.  Jan spent a short time working as a clerk at the J.C. Penney store until Christmas time of 1950.  Just before Christmas Sandy wanted to know what Jan would like to have for Christmas.  When she replied “just him”, the date of December 24, 1950 was set for their marriage.  This marriage would last nearly 60 years until Sandy’s passing in Nov 2010.  Two children were born to this union, John and Amy Lou.

Jan enjoyed many activities. In her younger years she played softball with the Gisi Queens. Then later she was on the ladies’ fire racing team that competed each year in the fireman races.  Jan also enjoyed golfing and bowling with her mother Clara.  They traveled to Tucson, AZ in 1979 to bowl with Jan’s sister Juanita in a National Bowling Tournament.  Jan and Sandy looked forward to attending Sandy’s Navy “SeaBee” Reunion’s every two years.  These trips took them all over the United States, as the destination of the reunion changed each time.

Jan was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and volunteered her time with several activities, including her favorite, working in the Legion Fair Booth each year.

Jan was always busy caring for her family but still found time to sew new clothing, garden and can fruits and vegetables. Her passion was growing beautiful red roses and other plants.  She babied her apple tree that could produce the best apples. From these apples she would make delicious apple sauce.  Excess apples were gladly shared with friends and neighbors.  Each year at Christmas, Jan would delightfully deliver platefuls of home-baked cookies and holiday treats to all the neighbors. 

Jan lovingly cared for her young grandchildren.  They could always find a noon meal and goodies at Grandma’s house. She also had plenty of nieces and nephews around each summer and treated many injuries, as all the children were very active. The kids always knew when they heard her whistle it was time to come in.  

As Jan’s parents became older she was their primary caregiver.  She spent a few hours every day at her parent’s house and then also continued to care for them daily when they had to go the nursing home.

Janice was a compassionate person and was always thinking of others.  She had a great attitude and a wonderful sense of humor.  She rarely complained, even when her health declined and her  Parkinson’s disease progressed.  Jan spent her last 3 years at Parrish Care Assisted Living Center where she entertained her caregivers with witty remarks and broad smiles.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents Paul and Clara Snedeker, husband Sandy Magee, sister Juanita “Pete” Snedeker Carson, and brothers William Snedeker Jr, Donald Snedeker, and Robert Snedeker.

She is survived by her son John Magee and wife Pam of Wiggins, CO.  Daughter Amy Blair and husband Fred Hansen of Yuma, CO.  Sister Adah Mae “Amy” Fix of Wray, CO. Sister-in-law Marge Snedeker of Yuma, CO.  Grandchildren Josh Magee and wife Angie of Westminster, CO. Jared Magee and wife Sarah of Edmonton, Canada. Jacob Magee and wife Christine of Windsor, CO.  Quentin Blair and wife Melissa of Loveland, CO. Amber Gutierrez and husband Danny of Wrightwood, CA. Marina Hansen of Golden, CO and Taylor Hansen of Yuma, CO.  Great grandchildren Magnus, Jaedyn, Tristan, Dee, Christopher, Nicholas, Sofia and Ayden.  Along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service was held Thursday February 8, 2018 at 10:30 A.M. at the Community of Christ Church, with Priest Sue and Elder Mike Mueller officiating. Memorials can be made in Jan Magee’s name in lou of flowers, Baucke Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

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