Janice Mae Sodders, 95, of Elida, passed away Monday, October 14, 2024, at Vancrest of Delphos. She was born June 26, 1929, in Newark to Orus and Marie (White) Helser, who both preceded her in death. On June 26, 1949, in Lima, she married Theodore Sodders who survives in Elida. They had been married for over 75 years. Jan was preceded in death by her sisters, Thelma (Tom) Shields, and Louise (Rex) Ciavola; in-laws, Dale (Eileen) Sherrick and Everett (Thelma) Sodders. She is survived by her children, Doug (Barb) Sodders of Lima and Mike (Karin) Sodders of Hilliard. Also surviving is a brother, Carl (Liz) Helser of San Antonio, TX; seven grandchildren, Nate (Stephanie) Sodders, Bo Sodders, Brett (Julia) Sodders, Angela (Dave) Sodders, Taylor Sodders, Mallory Sodders and Matt (Stephanie) Jackson; great-grandchildren, Ryan Lidgy, Cade Sodders, Brayden, Reid and Coralie Sodders and Lyla and Oliver Jackson; and many nieces and nephews. Jan was a 1947 graduate of Shawnee High School and also a graduate of Northwestern School of Commerce.
She had been employed by Metropolitan Bank in Lima, and General Motors in Kalamazoo, MI. She retired after 25 years as Secretary at Elida High School where she dearly loved the students and faculty. She had volunteered at St. Rita’s Hospital since 1990 and was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, Elida. She loved spending time with her family and friends and was an avid sports fan. She loved music, Elida High School, and Ohio State Buckeye sports. She enjoyed camping, boating, fishing, crafts, and especially her flower gardens. Above all, Jan loved watching her sons and grandchildren in their sports and music activities. A Funeral Service will begin at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 18 at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 105 E. Main Street, Elida. Pastor Paul Scannell will be officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, October 17 at Weber Funeral Home, 1840 E. Fifth Street, Delphos. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be shared at www.weberfh.net.