Janice NewlinPonca City, OK

Jan Newlin

December 17, 1958 - October 9, 2025

Janice Kay Stutzman Newlin beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend was called to her eternal resting place on October 9, 2025 in Ponca City, Oklahoma. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 10:00 am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2408 E Hartford, Ponca City, Oklahoma. Burial will follow at the Washunga Cemetery, Newkirk, Oklahoma. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home, 505 W. Grand, Ponca City, Oklahoma

Jan was born on December 17, 1958, in Marion, KS, to Joe Kenneth Stutzman and Thelma Louise Pappan. She attended grade school in Peabody, Kansas, while living with her grandparents. She completed her education in Borger, Texas, graduating with the class of 1977. Jan was united in marriage on June 4, 1976, in Borger, Texas, to Roger Wayne Poole. To this union was born three children, Erika Lee, Stephanie Erin, and Todd Lawrence. The world became a whole lot brighter - and a whole lot funnier - the day Jan was born. And though our hearts ache as we say goodbye, we know heaven is already roaring with laughter, thanks to the one and only Jan.

Jan was a proud member of the Kaw Nation who deeply cherished her heritage, weaving her love of Native American culture into everything she did - from her storytelling to her celebrations. She was honored to teach Kaw youth how to prepare and cook traditional Kaw meals. She was the life of every room she entered, always armed with a story (never short on details!) and a laugh that could fill the whole space. If there was a party, Jan was at the center of it - and if there wasn’t one, she’d create it. Her gift for caring for others was second to none. Jan had a heart big enough to hold the whole world, and she shared it freely - as a loyal friend, a loving caregiver, and a comfort to anyone lucky enough to know her. Her friends weren’t just people she knew; they were family, and they were her pride and joy. She cherished each friendship deeply and made everyone feel like they were her “favorite.”

Jan poured that same warmth and humor into her work. As a receptionist for many doctors in Ponca City, she greeted every patient with kindness and joy - even if they weren’t exactly thrilled about being at the doctor’s office. Her coworkers and patients alike always looked forward to seeing her beautiful, welcoming smile. Of all the doctors she worked with, she especially adored Dr. Ley and his wife Donna (“Lucy”), whose friendship meant the world to her. Jan’s legacy is one of laughter, love, and stories - so many stories. She showed us that life is best lived with humor, heart, and a good story to share. Though we’ll miss her every single day, we find comfort in knowing she’s probably already telling tales and making new friends in heaven. We’ll carry Jan’s love and laughter with us always - and in her honor, we promise to never pass up a chance for a good party, a long story, or a deep belly laugh.

Jan is survived by: her children, Erika and husband, John Thompson of Cypress, Texas, Stephanie and husband Dan Mayer of Ponca City, Oklahoma, Todd and wife Amanda of Spring, Texas; siblings, Danny Angel of Winfield, Kansas, Bonnie Arand of Hodgen, Oklahoma, Terri Weatherly of Ponca City, Oklahoma, and Dana Davis of Indiana; grandchildren, Jeffrey Seward, Hunter Mayer, Matthew Poole, Blake Seward, Mason Poole, Trey Seward, Todd Mayer, and Abbigail Mayer; great-grandchildren, Eli Seward and Everlee Hicks. Her grandchildren lovingly referred to her as “Branny”.

She was preceded in death by: her parents, Joe Kenneth Stutzman and Thelma Lousie Newell; grandparents, Benjamin Franklin and Hanna Falena (Gump) Stutzman, and Johnnie Lee and Altha Violet (Gilliland) Pappan; siblings, Michael Leroy Angel and Johnny Ray Pappan.

Casket bearers will be nephews, Jared Bain, Elliott Jackson, Clayton Weatherly, Landon Heskett and dear friends, Derek Mayer and Wyatt Hubbard. Honorary casket bearers will include Dan Mayer, Todd Mayer, Hunter Mayer, Mason Poole, Kamden Weatherly and Kolter Weatherly.