Janice M. Vawter

Janice M. Vawter, 80, of Columbus, formerly of Versailles passed away at 9:15 p.m., Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at The Traditions in Columbus. She was born in North Vernon on July 29, 1943, the daughter of Bernard and Mary French Gerth. She was married to Frances Vawter on June 22, 1963 and he preceded her in death on December 18, 2021. 

Survivors include three sons Mike (Cynthia) Vawter of Ft. Wayne, Steve (Carrie) Vawter of Columbus, and Rob (Jennifer) Vawter of Rock Hill, South Carolina; 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; three brothers Paul (Sue) Gerth and Larry Gerth both of Columbus, and David Gerth of North Vernon; two sisters Shirley Gerth of Oldenburg and Diana (Phil) Franklin of Columbus. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Raymond, James, and Father Robert Gerth. 

Mrs. Vawter was a 1961 graduate of Madison Shawe High School and she had worked as an aide at the South Ripley Elementary School. Janice was very devoted to her church and also enjoyed her family, reading, and crocheting. Janice was a member of the St. Maurice Catholic Church. 

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, April 19 at 11 a.m. at the St. Maurice Catholic Church in Napoleon with Father Bill Ehalt officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Visitation was also at the church on Friday at 9 a.m. Memorials may be given to Our Hospice or the St. Maurice Cemetery in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.