Janice Mary (Rudnik) Ernst, 80, of southern Washington County, Colorado, went home to be at peace with the Lord on January 15, 2023, after a lengthy illness. Janice was born on November 2, 1942, to Albert and Velva Rudnik in Akron, Colorado. She was saved by the grace of God through faith on July 8, 1960, and baptized/confirmed on February 19, 1961.

In her youth, she enjoyed being outdoors, attended Sunnydale Church, played percussion in the school band, and participated in several humorous shenanigans. She first attended school in Anton and later in Cope, where she met her high school sweetheart, Harley Loyd Ernst. Janice was the first graduate of Arickaree High School; as the only student of the graduating class of 1960, Harley proudly dated the entire class! She was blessed to marry Harley on August 7, 1960. They enjoyed 62 wonderful years together and were an inspiring model for many couples over the years. Together, they lovingly raised five children: Teresa, Rockie, Buddy, Brian, and Tammy.

Embracing the principles taught in Proverbs 31 as a virtuous homemaker, Janice was a devoted, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Like most farmwives, she was actively involved with everything on the farm and was Harley's right-hand man whenever needed. She hauled countless truckloads of wheat and fought truck tarps in all kinds of weather. She greatly impacted the lives of numerous students through her caring ways during the 17 years she drove the bus for the Arickaree School. In addition, Janice strongly supported the Soil Conservation Association at the local and state levels by helping Harley in his various positions. She was also heavily involved with the Colorado State Soil Conservation Ladies Auxiliary, including being a state officer for multiple years.

Janice was multi-talented and taught herself to master many skills, such as quilting, sewing, cooking, and playing the organ. She played piano at Sunnydale Church and was an organist for Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Anton and Zion Lutheran Church in Flagler. Many hours were spent in her log cabin happily quilting and in her music room playing the piano and organ. She also enjoyed teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, square dancing, and participating in Quilter's Club, Bowling League, Cope Homemaker's Club, Nighthawk Club, and Church Ladies' Aide. Her greatest love, though, was spending time with her family. Cheerfully, she always welcomed everyone home for large holiday gatherings and created many fond memories, including playing Farkle, going camping at Cutty's in the mountains, shopping, and lovingly playing with her many special grandkids.

Those surviving to cherish Janice's memory are her husband, Harley of Flagler, and sister, Glenda Schmidt of Fort Collins. Her five children also survive her: Teresa Sidor and husband Chuck of Delta, Rockie Ernst and wife Rowana of Wiggins, Buddy Ernst and wife Ronda of Akron, Brian Ernst and wife Jill of Flagler, and Tammy Armstrong and husband Jeremy of Beloit, Kansas. Her surviving grandchildren are Kasey (Keindra) Sidor, Jeff (Kristen) Sidor, Carissa Sidor, Stephanie Sidor, Ryan (Brandy) Ernst, Reid (Kaitlyn) Ernst, Shane (Sara) Bair, Randy Bair, Alex (Tori) Crossland, Abby (Kyle) McFadden, Aron (Alyssa) Crossland, Tyler (Morgan) Ernst, Tristan Armstrong, Keighlee Armstrong, and Ariana Armstrong. Surviving great-grandchildren include Collin, Callie, and Lane Sidor; Carter McFadden; Bailey Weiland; and Braxton, Brennon, Mateo, Viviana, and Waylon Crossland. Janice was preceded in death by her parents–Albert and Velva, her brothers–Charles and Delbert Rudnik, her sister–Mildred Martin, and her great-grandson–Kelly McFadden.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church of Flagler.  Visitation will be held before the funeral from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. also at Zion Lutheran.  Interment will be held at the Otis Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.  Memorial donations may be made to Zion Lutheran Church.

Janice's favorite color was purple.  Please consider wearing purple to her service in her honor.

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