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Mrs. Janet Mae Glass, age 82, formerly of Upland, Indiana, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on October 13, 2021.
Jan was born on December 23, 1938, in Elkhart, IN to the late D. Paul and Ella Mae Huffman. She graduated from Elkhart High School and continued her studies at Taylor University where she met her future husband, George Glass. The couple was married on August 15, 1959, and shortly after settled in Upland, where Jan spent most of her life. Jan furthered her education at Ball State University where she received master’s degrees in both Elementary Education and Counseling. Jan worked at Eastbrook High School as an educator and counselor. She served alongside George at Taylor University for over 40 years.
Jan and George enjoyed summers at Winona Lake, IN and later became “snowbirds” to Clearwater, Florida. Jan loved spending the winter months near the ocean. Clearwater was truly her happy place. Her love for water, the beach and having fun was always shared with her family. In 2018, Jan and George moved to Georgia to be closer to their daughter.
Jan was a joyful soul who loved the Lord. She was a longtime member of The Chapel in Fort Wayne, IN where she served as a greeter and violinist. She was a gifted musician and loved being a part of various musical groups. In 1999, the Indiana General Assembly recognized Jan as “Mother of the Year” for her love and commitment to her faith, her family, and the positive contribution she made to both community and society.
Jan was a great hostess who especially loved entertaining during the holidays. She could set a beautiful table filled with delicious food but most of all, she made others feel welcomed. Family especially loved her summertime menus, fabulous soups, pies, and desserts.
Her love for Jesus and her devotion to family was lifelong. She was an amazing Grandma who continually invested in the lives of her grandchildren. Attending sporting events, hosting tea parties, sleepovers, trips to Florida and Christmas celebrations were part of Jan’s gift to her family. She was a supportive and encouraging mother and the biggest cheerleader for her children. Jan was a wife who never stopped loving her beloved George. The couple shared a beautiful love story and were sweethearts until the very end. Her wise counsel and positive outlook on life will be missed. Memories of her contagious laughter and sweet, joyful spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved her most.
Along with her parents, Jan was preceded in death by her sister Jean Granitz and brother Dick Huffman. She is survived by her husband of 62 years: George A. Glass of Newnan, GA; children and their spouses: Cynthia and Todd Shinabarger of Newnan, GA, Debra and Chris Goeglein of Fort Wayne, IN, Timothy and Connie Glass of Indianapolis, IN; grandchildren: Erin (Jon) Geyer of Centerville, OH, Eric (Brook) Shinabarger of Glen Ellyn, IL, Justin (Jordan) Goeglein of Ann Arbor, MI, Alissa (Noah) Kline of Ann Arbor, MI, Anna (Ben) Shaum of Denver, CO, Cameron Glass of Austin, TX, Emma Glass of Chicago, IL, Mia Glass of Indianapolis, IN; great-grandchildren: Brinnley, Brody, Thomas, Judah, Colette, Graham, Leigh, Drew and August.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Jan’s honor on November 20 at 11:00 am at The Chapel, 2505 W. Hamilton Road S., Fort Wayne, Indiana. The live stream will starts at 11:00 and can be found by using this link http://thechapel.net/funeral. Messages of condolence may be left at www.georgiacremation.com. Memorials to Taylor University www.taylor.edu/giving/giving-form Designated to: “Scholarships”, “George Glass Endowed Scholarship”.
Remembering Janet Mae Glass (Full Memorial Slideshow): https://youtu.be/OM8VHRfkLP8
Glass Family Video (Grandparent Duet): https://youtu.be/Ve2V1s721bs
Celebration of Life Service for Janet Mae Glass: https://youtu.be/n_QQKx5OcLA
Catherine Tucker says
What a beautiful tribute to your mom Cindy. Praying the Lord’s comfort to you and the family – until you see her again!
Jim Garringer says
George, Cindy, Deb, Tim, our hearts are broken to learn this news. While we grieve with the hope of the resurrection, we do still grieve. May God’s blessings, presence, and peace be yours in all abundance during these days and those to come. We love you and continue to pray for you.
Sorrowfully,
Jim Garringer
Christie Smolenski says
I am deeply sorry for your loss, but Jan is dancing in heaven. I only new Jan for a brief time but she was always happy and fun. Your family: George, Cindy, Deb, & Tim are in my prayers. Your family and the love you share for each other is amazing.
To all I send a BIG HUG
Nelson Rediger says
We truly grieve Jan’s passing but highly celebrate her light that was shown while on this earth! Most wonderful lovely lady. So glad our paths crossed. Love all you family
Jayman A. Avery III says
God bless you all at this difficult time. It was so great to see many of the Glass clan at the TUCC and Coach Glass celebration last month.
As a TUCC and TF alumnus, we have very fond memories of Mrs. Glass in many settings. They were mostly humorous, I would imagine, but some were serious (probably having to do with our studies, her being an educator!). She opened her home to us and was, in effect, our mom away from home. We will always be grateful for that.
We are so sad to hear this news. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Many of us are praying for the Glass family at this time.
Jayman Avery (TU Class of ’81)
Teil says
Love your family and am hurting for all of you. I know how it feels to lose one so dearly loved. George and family I am praying our Lord to comfort you right now.
RB (Barry) Davis TU 1967 says
Dear Coach and Family: Mrs Glass’s many ministries and support of Taylor University and Coach’s many teams were always known and deeply appreciated, even by those of us who were less than successful, athletically. I look forward to seeing her again and the rest of the Glass family too. The Glass family had small contact but large impact on my life!
Marlin and Sharon Winans says
George and family:
We are so sorry that you and family have lost Jan but do rejoice that we all know she is now at peace with Our Lord and family and friends who had gone before her.
We love to reminisce of times we shared in Fort Wayne, IN with other friends as well as attending The Chapel together. We remember SO well a Caribbean cruise we ,along with mutual friends, Lloyd & Joan, took together.
Wonderful memory!
May Our Lord Jesus Christ comfort you George and Family until we ALL get to Heaven.
MARLIN and SHARON WINANS
Lakewood Ranch, Florida.
Alberta Wray says
Wow, Cindy! Loved reading about your mom’s amazing accomplishments as well as her love for family. She will definitely leave a hole in your family but continues to leave an amazing legacy! Praying peace and comfort for all of your family.
John Jaderholm says
Our sincere sympathy on the passing of Jan. To echo the comments of Jay Avery, she was a wonderful partner to Coach and often filled the gap of our mother while at school. We all cherish wonderful memories of her out at the house and at meets. Our prayers are with you all during this time.
JJ
Bill and Carolyn Parman says
Coach Glass, Cindy, Debbie, Tim and all the rest of the family, Carolyn and I express our deep and sincere sympathy to you as you grieve the loss of your wife, mother, and grandmother.
John Huffman says
How painful it is to say farewell in this life to my very special cousin Janet. Her joy for living, family, and friendship was/is contagious! I thank God for her and George as we commit her to the Lord claiming all His promises.
Lovingly,
John Huffman
Al Feeley says
Coach and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers. Just knowing your family has been a blessing.
Be well and take care,
Al Feeley
Terry and Linda Jordan says
To Coach Glass and the entire Glass family. Linda and I are so sorry for the passing of this tremendous servant of the Lord. What a loss on Earth but a gain in Heaven! God bless! We are thinking of you during this very difficult time.
Terry and Linda Jordan
Carol Dugan says
To George and the family,
Thank you for sharing the news of Jan’s homegoing. I have special memories of being entertained in her home in Fort Wayne and sharing together in Wednesday morning Bible Study at the Chapel. She was a lovely lady! My prayers for the family that God will bring comfort as only He can do!
Carol Dugan
Helmut Krause says
Dorina and Helmut, Germany
We met Jan and George only once, but were immediately captivated by both of their warm-heartedness and would have liked to be with them even longer. We firmly believe that Jan, released from all earthly burdens, is free in the realm of love. But those of us left behind miss them. So our prayers go out to George, their children and grandchildren.
Lorie Lettinga says
Love and hugs to Uncle George, Cindy, Deb and Tim….my memories are mainly from Winona Lake and Aunt Jan and Mom being together…which they are in Heaven now!.. Also loved seeing her and U George at the many basketball games we saw together at Largo with Phil Price, that was always a joy spending time with them.
Love and God bless you guys at this time.
Lorie Lettinga
vevans@ecomsystems.com says
Wonderful life. Wonderful family. Wonderful memories. What a happy reunion will be celebrated in Heaven with so many of our family members there. I still have the Bible Jan sold to me while she was working at a store at Winona Lake one summer.
May your whole family be comforted by the peace of our Lord and Savior .
Jim and Viv Evans
Viv Evans says
Wonderful life. Wonderful family. Wonderful memories. What a happy reunion will be celebrated in Heaven with so many of our family members there. I still have the Bible Jan sold to me while she was working at a store at Winona Lake one summer.
May your whole family be comforted by the peace of our Lord and Savior .
Jim and Viv Evans
Bill Bauer says
I am hurting for the Glass family. I am thankful for Jan’s life that was such a blessing to SO many. You are all in my prayers and I am praising God that Jan is by His side in Paradise! She represented Him well while she was here on earth and she now is receiving her reward of Life Eternal!
Beverly Valutis says
Dearest Glass Family… Being a part of your lives for decades all I can say about your mother, grand mother and my dear, dear friend is, Job well done…Rest in Peace…Till we take our next walk to the bridge…I will miss you..
Jay Powell, and my departed, Colleen says
Dear George; and Children, Grand Children, and Great Grand Children of Jan’s,
How Blessed we’ve all been to have had this beloved lady touch our lives in the special roles she did so extremely well. How comforting to know that her Spirit will continue with us throughout Eternity.
While there will be moments of grieving, George, they will be far outweighed by those of celebration of the life lived by you beloved wife, Jan.
Colleen and I look forward to the day when we can enjoy the company of you and Jan again and forevermore.
God Bless,
Jay
Dave and Marva Martz says
George and family – Dave and I are thinking of your family and hoping happy memories lift you up in the days ahead . Memories are a blessing and they will always be with you. I was blessed in working with Jan so many years at Eastbrook in the Guidance Department. We shared many experiences and I was so blessed to see her wise counsel in working with many students. She always saw the positive and good in all students – even when the kids couldn’t see it for themselves. She was a good mentor for so many kids! She was fair and non-judgemental with ALL students in ALL situations. I will miss her but I know we will meet again and that is a blessing. Love and blessings for all of your family. Dave and Marva
Walt and Mary Campbell says
George and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Jan’s passing. We rejoice with you for the hope of eternal life with our Lord Jesus Christ. We love you all.
Jay & Marlene Redding says
Dear Coach and the Glass Family – We are all saddened by the passing of Jan and the loss that you are currently feeling. Please know that you are all in our prayers during this time. We are grateful for the life that she has lived and the impact she has made on so so many people. May her spirit and influence be passed on to others as she has touched our lives.
Steve Hoffmann says
What a wonderful model of a Christian life, and also what an encouraging example and impetus toward the deep happiness that is the blessing of a loving and faithful family life. May the many members of that family find their sorrow at losing this beautiful and beloved woman mitigated by the experience of their life together and especially by the love and dedication she and George shared.
Jane And George Haines says
Jane Hodson and George Haines
George and family, we were saddened to read of your loss. I have wonderful memories of Jan helping us out in the department with supervision of student teachers. What a joy to have known her in that setting. She was such a good role model for so many people–students as well as colleagues. Our prayers are with all of your during these difficult days. May all your memories give you comfort. Prayerfully, Jane Vanzant Hodson Haines, class of l958. Yikes – that’s a long time ago!!
Don & Lois Deemer says
George & family,
Lois and I are sad to learn that Jan has passed.
We, at Eastbrook, we’re fortunate to know and work with Jan. She was an advocate for our students as a counselor. Students felt comfortable in her presence and they trusted her to help them with their decisions.
We are glad that the Lord placed her in our path and George it would be so good to see you again.
God bless,
Ken and Beth Smith says
Jan was an absolutely beautiful lady–outside and where it really counts, on the inside! She radiated her love for Jesus and her love for her family and friends. She reached out to people with a heart of love. Her smile was golden. We are SO thankful that our paths crossed during our years at Taylor. Our lives were blessed by both of you! Keeping you and your family in our prayers.
Sharice & Brian Roth says
So sorry to hear this.
She was someone very special to me.
Such a beautiful tenderhearted soul. She will be missed greatly!
Hearts and prayers of peace and comfort to all until we meet her again.
Sending my love to All.
Bob Engel says
Coach and Family. Jesus is the resurrection and the life and a joyous reunion is guaranteed. Until then may the God of all comfort and peace surround you during this time of loss.
Brian and Connie Doyle says
Dear George and family,
We wished we could have known your beloved Jan personally, but what a pleasure getting to know her a little through George.
We are so blessed to have met you and several family members through Crossroads Church in Newnan, GA.
We look forward to knowing her “one day”❤️
Prayers continue for your peace and comfort.
Jim Weathers says
Jan and George are two of my very most favorite people. Always a delight and blessing to my heart. Love and prayers for all. Jim Weathers, Chaplain
Carolyn Hutchinson says
Dear George and Family,
I am saddened both with you and for you.
Jan was a beautiful lady in every way. I enjoyed her
so much at our Friday CHAT meetings.
What a great sense of humor she had.
How we laughed! I miss her also at Bible
Study. She was a wonderful Christian.
She loved the Lord.
My sincere sympathy to you all.
My deep and sincere sympathy to you
all. She will be missed.
God bless,
Carolyn Hutchinson
Dennis Smith says
So very sorry, sincere sympathy!
Barb Jenkins says
I was so privledged to spend time with your Mom at Summerby. She was such a sweet lady and we had fun times in the pool and just laughing and spending time together. She will be missed! I know her pain is over and she is with our Lord & maker. I look forward to seeing her in eternaty someday. My best to your Dad & Cindy who looked after her every need.
Love, Barb Jenkins’s
David Leveille says
Dear George, Cindy, Deb, Tim, so many other family members,
And Jesus was waiting for Jan with open arms…
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.
Jan will be remembered as a lovely human being who made a unique contribution to those whose lives she touched throughout her lifetime.
Wishing you peace, comfort and hope in the midst of your sorrow.
Love, Dave
Charles and Barbara Ford says
George,
Sorry we could not make the trip to see both of you again after you move from Ft. Wayne. We did enjoy the meal at the restaurant which was not past of a chain near your Ft. Wayne home.
Now that we are closer, perhaps you able to come and relax after you complete your legal details. David L. has kept us up to date on your life. (Lake Wylie, SC)
Cindy Van Baalen says
I pray that GOD will comfort your hearts 🙏🏻
Cindy Huffman, Van Baalen
Marilyn Yerks Harp says
As a member of the 1960 class at Taylor University I was sorry to hear of Jan’s passing, but glad to know she is no longer suffering and is enjoying a wonderful life with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I know from personal experience it’s a big adjustment to lose a spouse, but God is faithful during such times. He helped me in many ways, and I know he will help all of you in a special way too. May God bless the entire family in a wonderful way now and in the future. Marilyn Yerks Harp
Bob and Margie Jackson says
Dear George and family Margie and I want to offer our condolences to you all George our heart goes out to you. Margie and I have great memories of being with George and Jan . We still have memories of Jan showing Susie the Dalmatian puppies to Susie when she was a little girl. We remember her talking about her and George making snow angels . Bless Your hearts we have you in our prayers
Bob Margie Jackson
Dan Folsom says
George and Jan’s family,
After reading Jan’s story, I’m sorry I did not have the opportunity to get to know her – what an amazing woman. Your Georgia church family is saddened by her passing and we are praying for all of you.
Connie P Doyle says
Dear George and family,
We feel we know Jan a bit because of all the wonderful stories we have heard. We look forward to the day of really knowing her in Heaven ❤️ What a privilege and honor we have had to get to know Mr. George Glass .
Our Prayers and Love are with you all as you gather this weekend.
Sincerely,
Crossroads Caregiver Support Group
Julie & Dave Thieme says
I’m deeply disappointed we are unable to miss your Memorial. To all of you, but please know we are there in spirit. She was such a kind and sweet lady and her love of George is something I will always remember and be touched by. Our deepest sympathy and love to all of you! Keeping you in our prayers! Dave and Julie Thieme
Teil says
The remembrance service for Jan was lovely. Deb you and the family gave beautiful eulogies. I’m so proud to know and love all of you.