Janice Marlene Sanders

North English- Janice Marlene Sanders was born January 12, 1943, in Williamsburg, Iowa the daughter of Lee and Dorothy (Hensen) Querl. She lived her whole life in the Williamsburg community. She graduated from Williamsburg High School in 1961. On June 18, 1961, Janice was united in marriage to Charles “Chuck Sanders in Marengo. To this union three sons were born Gary, Jerry “Jake” and Kurt.

Chuck and Janice owned and operated Chuck’s Barber and Sports Shop in Williamsburg for many years. The shop was well know for being a gathering spot for many locals, as well as getting haircuts and buying guns, fishing gear and archery gear as well.

In 1989, Janice started her career at Holiday Inn at Little Amana, as the head of housekeeping. She acquired a number of awards during her time there until her retirement in 2008.

Janice loved family and was always willing and ready to help care for her three grandsons that were one of the greatest joys in her life. Later in life she had the joy of becoming a great grandmother to Mackenzie, Kylie and Jett. Family was what made her days happy and made her smile.

Janice was a member of the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Williamsburg.

Janice entered the English Valley Care Center in January of 2020, where she received excellent care right up until the time of her passing on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the age of 83 years.

She is survived by her son Jerry “Jake” (Jane) Sanders of North English; three beloved grandsons Dustin of Kalona, Devin (Courtney) of Eldridge and Dillon (Annie) of Brooklyn; three great grandchildren Mackenzie and Kylie Sanders and Jett Sanders. Also surviving are a sister Marilea Schmidt of Vinton; and nieces Nancie (Tony) Patterson of Aplington and Julie (Don) Danielson of Vinton.

We would like to thank the staff of the English Valleys Care Center that went above and beyond on a daily basis to make Janice feel so at home. The many things that were done for her were always a comfort to us knowing how loved she was there. We would also like to thank Essence of Life Hospice that helped us with the hard days and gave Janice such peace and comfort in the end.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Powell Funeral Home in North English. Burial will follow in the Pilot Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday, from 4:00 - 6:00 pm at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the English Valley Care Center or Essence of Life Hospice. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.