Janice L. Beightel

January 14, 1948 - February 26, 2022

Beightel, Janice L., of St. Louis, Missouri, was born January 14, 1948 in Abilene, Kansas, to Irene (nee; Starburg) Schilling and died surrounded by her family on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at the age of 74 after a fall in her home. She is preceded in death by her mother; her father, Deene Peterson; her step-father, Alfred Schilling; and her brother, Don Schilling. She is survived by her husband, Dave Beightel; her children Kara (Karl) Krekeler, Tyler Beightel, Olivia Beightel, Lily (Tyler) Kusterer, and Reece Beightel; her grandchildren, Logan and Molly Krekeler, and Emma Kusterer; her siblings Delores Merrill, Barb Rathbun, Betty Pickerel, Neil Schilling, Brad Peterson, Renita Beatty, and Carla Walker; along with numerous extended family members, friends, and former students. Jan grew up on a farm in northeastern Kansas and attended Onaga High School. After graduation, she attended Emporia State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in teaching, as well as founding lifelong friendships with the College Gang and finding her passion for educating young children, particularly through art. Jan taught for 35 years before retiring, and spent her summers traveling to 49 states, going camping and hiking, and painting her traditional “lakes, rocks, trees, and mountains.” During her years teaching in Kansas and Montana, Jan touched the lives of thousands of students and their families, becoming close friends with many of her students in the years after they left her classroom. Jan never met a stranger she didn’t talk to and become friends with, and she was always up for something silly and fun, often involving costumes, bad poetry, and mild embarrassment on the part of her family. They wouldn’t have had her any other way. Over the past few years, Jan struggled with liver failure, and in December received a life-saving liver transplant, which went well, and gave her and her family hope for the future. She was making a promising recovery when she fell at home, causing her death. While her family reckons with this cruel twist of fate, they are thankful for the liver transplant, which allowed her last weeks to be spent in better health than she had experienced in years. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. In memory of Jan, please make a donation to a local arts education organization; do something good for a kid in your life; and register to be an organ donor. Memorial donations can also be made to Donate Life America, www.donatelife.net. Celebration of life events are being planned in St. Louis and Kansas, both of which will take place in the spring. Family and friends can review and share stories, photos and condolences online at www.stlfuneral.com and follow details of the celebrations of life at www.facebook.com/stlchapelhill.