Janice Larson, 68, Garrison, died Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, at her home surrounded by her family, after a 13-year fight with cancer.

Janice Johnson was born on Dec. 15, 1940, the oldest of three daughters, to Edwin and Norma (Kottsick) Johnson in Minot. She was raised and educated in Minot, attending Washington Elementary School and graduating from Minot High School in 1959.

On Aug. 28, 1959, she was united in marriage to Charles Larson in Minot. Together they made their home in North Dakota. Besides Minot, they spent several years in Williston, Park River and the last few years in Garrison.

Janice will be remembered as a kind and loving person who spent her life caring for people. Besides Charles, her greatest treasures in life were her two children. That love later extended to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. From being a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, she was there for everyone. Primarily a homemaker, she also taught Sunday school, enjoyed mother's circle in her early years, delivered Meals on Wheels and in her later years cared for her mother.

Janice spent several years as a bookkeeper for Allied Van Lines in Williston, and worked at various other part-time jobs throughout her life. She loved the outdoors, time spent at Lake Sakakawea and gardening. She was an avid reader, enjoyed crossword puzzles, and "loved" cats collecting them in all size and shapes.

Those who shared in her life: husband of 50 years, Charles Larson, Garrison; children, Susan (Tim) Kleppe, Gulf Breeze, Fla., Todd (Marci) Larson, Garrison; nine grandchildren, Nikki, Ashley, Zachary, Matya, Benjamin, Emily, Nick, Kelsie, and Tyrel; seven great-grandchildren; mother, Norma Johnson, Minot; sisters, Liz (Dennis) Wolsky, Minot, Marlene McCann, Omaha, Neb.; special friend and aunt Ruth Weber, Minot; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Janice was preceded in death by her father, Edwin Johnson; brother-in-law, Pat McCann; grandparents, Jeremiah and Ivertha Johnson and George and Cora Kottsick.

Visitation: There will be no reviewal, however, people may sign a memorial register on Friday, Oct. 23, 2009, one hour prior to service at the church.

Memorial service: Friday, Oct. 23, at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, Minot.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society.

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

(Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot)