Janice Yvonne Cooney was born to Lloyd and Phoebe (Hanson) Dennis onb February 24, 1945, in Oakland, NE. Janice entered her eternal home on March 6, 2024, at CHI Immanuel Hospital in Omaha after an unexpected illness.
Janice grew up on a farm in between West Point and Oakland. She attended District 74 country school. Her family attended the West Side Methodist Church, and she was confirmed in 1956. West Side always held a special place in her heart. Janice often still attended the West Side reunions. She attended high school at West Point Public and graduated in 1963. She went on to attend Wayne State College for teaching. Janice started her teaching career at District 14 Country School and taught at Districts 72 and 37.
Janice married Mike Cooney on December 27, 1965, in Elk Point, SD. They made their home outside Walthill, NE, where Janice still was living until the time of her death. Janice continued to teach 3rd and 4th grade at Rosalie Public School until their first son, Ray, was born in 1971. Their son, John, joined the family in 1973.
In 1972, Mike and Janice started their company, Cooney Fertilizer, Inc. In the beginning, Mike ran the sprayer, and Janice did the rest. In 1986, they added a dozer to the list of services offered and began the earth-moving portion of their business. Both sons joined the business and have helped make it what it is today. In 2002, Mike unexpectedly passed away, and Janice and her sons continued the business. In 2022, Cooney Fertilizer, Inc. celebrated its 50th year. It is a true testament to Janice’s dedication and tenacity.
Janice was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Walthill, NE, and served as the treasurer. Janice loved to go to work. If she wasn’t in the office, she could be found working in her garden. Recently, she joined the Green and Growing Garden Club, which was a highlight for her. She was also an avid animal lover, and there was often an animal or two that would be in the office with her. Janice also enjoyed spending time with her five grandchildren and teaching them the benefits of hard work. She also enjoyed “adventures” with the grandkids.
She was preceded in death by her husband Mike, parents Lloyd and Phoebe, brother Marlin, in-laws Raymond and Minerva Cooney, sister-in-law Luella Reynolds, and brother-in-law Roland Reynolds.
Survivors include her two sons and their families: Ray and wife Kira and children Michael, Cora and Cali of Walthill, NE; John and wife Wendy and children Jackson and Spencer of Pender, NE; and brother Kevin Dennis and wife Pat of Springfield, MO, along with four nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, March 18, 2024, 10:30 am, at First United Methodist Church in Walthill, NE. A luncheon will be held at the Walthill Fire Hall following service at the church. Memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, March 17, 4-6 pm at First United Methodist Church in Walthill. Burial is planned for Bancroft Cemetery, Bancroft, NE. Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date.
