Janis Louraine (Moore) Bohnstedt 86 gave her first cry at Reid Memorial Hospital, Richmond, Indiana on March 5, 1937. Her parents were James William Moore and Louraine Lacy Moore. Graduate of West Manchester Ohio High School. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Manchester College (University) in North Manchester, Indiana where she met the love of her life, Albert Elden Bohnstedt. They married on August 16, 1958. Janis began her teaching career at Etna Troy Elementary School in Whitley County, Indiana. During that time, she received a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University. Moving to Fort Wayne three years later, she joined the teaching staff of Fort Wayne Community Schools. She dedicated a few years to tend to the development of her four daughters as a Girl Scout leader, a church school teacher and assisted in their musical training and participation. Music was a prime interest of hers. She accompanied vocal musicians and participated in the choral group, Southmoor Singers. While a member of Simpson UMC she joined the choir and bell ringers. She and Albert joined forces in youth programming and spiritual growth. Her leadership with the United Methodist Women of Indiana fostered a broader understanding of social and justice issues. Membership in the American Association of University Women kept her aware of current issues and the reading that lead her to volunteering with the Aids Task Force. It gave her joy and understanding of the greater needs of the world. She was an avid supporter of LGTQPlus persons and issues. Janis is survived by her husband Albert, daughters Kristine (Barbara) Bohnstedt Thorn, Kathleen (Kelly) Ashton, Lora Beth (John) Ehrhardt, Elizabeth (Mark) Resor, grandchildren Zachary (Maggie) Thorn, Bryan Ashton, Bradford (Vanessa) Ashton, Brady (Lauren) Ashton, Nicholas Resor, Noel Resor, Chelsea (Kyle) Carroll, great-grandchildren Claire Cummins (Mal Strubbing), Dryzten Thorn, Louraine and Leon Carroll, Augustas Ashton, Abel and Ayda Smith. Arrangements have been entrusted to D.O. McComb and Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne. Memorial donations may be given to Plymouth Congregational Church, 501 W Berry St, Fort Wayne, (IN 46802) PFLAG Fort Wayne, 350 Arcadia Court Fort Wayne, (IN 46807), or the Northeast Indiana Positive Resource Connection, 525 Oxford St. Fort Wayne, (IN 46806). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Bohnstedt family at www.mccombandsons.com
