Janice M. Lira's Obituary
Janice (Jan) Marie Potter Lira, age 60, of Numa, Iowa died May 24, 2007 at her home.
Janice Marie Potter Lira, daughter of Fredrick (Wilber) and LaVeta Nathel (Butler) Potter, was born February 12, 1947 in Leon, Iowa. She married Ronnie Lee Lira on May 16, 1997. He preceded her in death on December 26, 2003.
While growing up Jan moved a lot, but always came back to Iowa. From 1968-1979 she worked for Oscar Mayer in Davenport, Iowa. She liked to ride motorcycles and even learned how to ride on her own Harley Sportster. Janice also liked to boat, water ski, hunt, play pool, garden and work on crafts. She grew up playing cards, games and putting puzzles together with family. Janice also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, reading, going to casinos and garage sales. She even went to garage sales on vacations. Janice could do just about anything she set her mind to doing.
Janice moved to the Centerville area in her early 30's. She bartended for a few years and that is where she met Ronnie. They were together for 18 years.
Janice started oil painting in 1985 and it came natural to her. She painted a number of items besides canvases and sold several. She was also talented in preparing flower arrangements. Janice was the mayor of Numa for two years, 1998-2000.
Survivors include mother, LaVeta Potter of Seymour, Iowa; sister, LaVoy Buckingham of Winterset, Iowa; aunt Aleta Mullins of Belton, Missouri; sister-in-law, Elisie Potter of Oseola, Iowa; nephews, Robert Potter of Fairfield, Iowa, Fredrick Potter of Bettendorf, Iowa, Scott and wife April Buckingham of Peru, Iowa and Shawn and wife Kara Buckingham of Sioux City, Iowa; great nieces and nephews which she thought of as her ""Babies;"" grandchildren, Kaela and Ryan Buckingham of Peru, Iowa and Haley, Trevor and Alyssa Buckingham of Sioux City, Iowa; mother-in-law, Ethel Lira of Numa, Iowa; and step children, Lee Micheal Lira of Algona, Iowa, Amber and husband Ray Houser of Elkhart, Iowa; step-children, Bruce and Kaitlyn Houser of Elkhart, Iowa; and additional relatives and friends. Preceding Janice in death were her husband, Ronnie Lee Lira; father, Fredrick ""Wilber"" Potter; brother, Freddie Harve Potter; and grandparents.
Janice was a loving wife, caring daughter and sister, a wonderful aunt and great aunt. She was there for her family and friends when they needed her. Whether it was a shoulder for support, or to help them in remolding a project, friends and family could count on Janice being there to help.
Memorial services will be held 2 PM, Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at the Thomas Lange Funeral Home in Centerville, Iowa with Pastor Dianne Christopher officiating. Burial will follow at the Numa Cemetery, Numa, Iowa. A visitation will be held Wednesday at the funeral home with the family present from 12-2PM. A memorial has been established to the Mercy Hospice and may be left at or mailed to the Thomas Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa 52544.
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