October 24, 2017

Janice D. Strange passed away at the age of 84 on October 24, 2017, at High Plains Alzheimer's Memory Care Center in Lincoln. She was born in St. Francis, Kansas, to Hubert L. and Eunice M. (Shearer) Harrison in 1933. Janice graduated from Holdrege High School where she was a cheerleader and received a vocal scholarship to the University of Nebraska. While at UNL, she was honorary commandant, editor of the Daily Nebraskan, and a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. She worked as a marketing spokesperson and served as a children's show hostess for KOLN-KGIN TV in 1961-62. She was a former chair of the Nebraska March of Dimes, and a member of P.E.O. Chapter FG.
After graduating from the University of Nebraska with a degree in English, she married Thomas P. Beal of Omaha. They had five children. She returned to the University of Nebraska and received her master's degree in education and began teaching at Robin Mickle Junior High School. She completed her coursework requirements towards her PH.D., and taught at Lincoln Northeast High School until she retired. Janice performed in several Gilbert and Sullivan musicals at the Lincoln Community Playhouse and sang in various choirs throughout the city. She married David A. Strange, a native of Hays, Kansas, in 1975. They built their dream home in Estes Park, Colorado, and moved there in 2009. They spent time traveling and exploring the Colorado Rockies.

Janice is survived by her husband of 42 years, David A. Strange, her sisters: Brenda Banker (Jan) of Houston, Texas; Cathy Harrison (Kris) of Circle Pines, Minnesota; her sons, Thomas P. Beal (Marianna); David L. Beal (Natalie); James H. Beal (Cynthia); L. Alan Beal and her daughter, Elizabeth A. Hardy, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also surviving are step-children: Lynn, Rodney (Staci), Michelle, and Chris Strange.
The family wishes to thank the staff at High Plains Alzheimer's Memory Care Center for their skill, kindness, and compassion for Janice while she was a resident.

A memorial service will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 18, at Metcalf Funeral Home Chapel, 245 N. 27th St. in Lincoln. The family requests memorials to St. Jude's Hospital for Children, the Alzheimer's Association, High Plains Alzheimer's Memory Care Center, CHI Health at Home-Hospice, or a charity of your choice.