Janis Bratton

Janis Fay Bratton, born in Swea City, Iowa on March 11, 1943, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2024 at the age of 81. Until the end, she kept her sense of humor, beautiful smile, and love for her family and their time together. She was married to Harold Bratton in Ledyard, Iowa on April 8, 1967, and they recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. They had three children together Shawn Christopher, Sharla Sherree, and Sheldon James, and 2 daughter-in-laws who she loved and cherished as daughters as well - Melody Hicks Bratton (wife of Shawn), and Kacie Orton Bratton (wife of Sheldon).   

Janis graduated from the Evangelical School of Nursing in 1964, becoming a nurse who dedicated her entire life to caring for others. She worked in hospitals, labor and delivery, and psychiatric units, but most of her career was spent in nursing homes as a charge nurse and Director of Nursing. Her true passion was working on the Alzheimer unit, where she worked for over 20 years, helping to comfort her patients and their families in their final years.  

She was a three-time cancer survivor, who beat the odds she was given by more than 40 years, lending her children to refer to her as “The toughest Iowa farm girl the good Lord ever placed on this Earth”. From knowing the compassion, empathy, and toll on one's heart it takes to work with those in need, Janis consistently expressed her gratitude for the numerous doctors, nurses, and caregivers (including her husband) who helped her and her entire family manage through all of her healthcare journeys. 

Jan, as she was known by most, was well known for her loving and caring spirit, often prioritizing others over herself. She enjoyed scrapbooking, singing, sewing, fishing, and attending the sporting events of her children and grandchildren.   

The light in her life was the arrival of her grandchildren. She wrapped her arms around those girls from the minute they were born and never let go. She embraced her new role of “Janma” with babysitting, sewing, attending parties, school programs, and sporting events. She found great joy in being a grandmother and spending time with her grandchildren.   

Christmas was by far her favorite holiday, as her oldest was born on Christmas Day, giving her the best present she could ever receive. She loved decorating her home for the holidays, and over the years collected a vast Christmas village. Each piece she collected represented something or some special time in the lives of her children or family.  

Jan is survived by her loving husband Harold, her three children, Shawn, Sharla, and Sheldon; her brother Roger and sister Doris; and her three cherished granddaughters, Caroline, Ellis, and Hallie. Jan was preceded in death by her brother James and her parents Sylvia and Herman Goetz. Janis will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her. She will always be remembered whenever a cardinal is seen, as it signals to all that an angel is nearby.   

Visitation will take place at Flanner Buchanan Funeral Home in Carmel, Indiana on Monday, October 7,2024 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM with a Celebration of Life to follow at 1:00 PM.   

To honor Jan’s life, please consider making a donation to The Susan G. Koman Organization for Cancer Research or the Alzheimer Association in place of flowers.