Janice Kay "Jan" Mitchell, 78 of Paxton, passed away at 10:06 p.m. Friday, July 7, 2023, at Accolade Healthcare of Paxton on Pells.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells Street, Paxton with Rev. Pat Allin officiating.  Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery, Paxton.

Visitation will be 2 hours before the service from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Tuesday, at the funeral home.

Jan was born December 17, 1944, in Kankakee, the daughter of Marion and Rosalee Conrad Merkle.  She married Larry Mitchell January, 1966, in Paxton.

She is survived by one daughter, Pam (Dwain) Sanders of Paxton; two grandsons, Austin and Garrett Sanders; one brother, Leroy Merkle of Owensboro, KY and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Marvin Merkle and two sisters, Joyce Schaumburg and Shirley Scarboro.

Jan graduated from Paxton High School.  She worked at Chanute Air Force Base and Paxton Hospital before beginning her career in 1988 as Director of Admissions for Heartland Healthcare of Paxton.  Jan loved her job, working with her coworkers and helping the residents and their families.

She enjoyed playing board games and shopping.  But nothing meant more to her than spending time with her family and friends, laughing, chatting and just being together.

Memorials may be made to an organization of the donor's choice.  Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.