Janice Ruth Chess

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Janice Ruth Chess, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, who went to her heavenly home on March 29, 2026, at the age of 89.

Jan was born on March 6, 1937, in Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania, to Warren Martin Klingensmith and Lillian Mae Schuler. She lived a full life of warmth and kindness that touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Jan spent her early years in the rural town of Sandy Lake alongside her parents and siblings. As a young girl, she learned to play the piano and organ, talents she carried throughout her life as she played at church services and special events. As a teenager, she worked at two ice cream shops and also helped at her family’s restaurant, where she learned to prepare many delicious recipes that would be lovingly passed down through generations.

At the age of 19, Jan married the love of her life, Bud Chess, in 1955. Together, they built a life on a farm in Sheakleyville, Pennsylvania, raising ponies, goats, and pigs. During the summers, they ran an ice cream truck, creating joyful memories for their family and community. They were blessed with four children: Victoria Lynn, Dwight Douglas, Valeri Diane, and Vonda Kay.

In 1970, seeking warmer weather, Jan and Bud moved to Altamonte Springs, Florida. Jan’s first job near Orlando was at the Citrus Plant. She later worked as a waitress at the Langford Hotel in Winter Park for more than 20 years. She loved staying busy and found great joy in helping others.

In the late 1990s, Jan and Bud moved to Leesburg to help care for her father, Warren, as he aged. They spent nearly 30 years there before moving in with their daughter Vicki and son-in-law Ty.

Jan devoted countless hours to her church and Agape ministry, serving those in need. She loved teaching Sunday School and bringing brownies for the children each week. She also helped coordinate many church gatherings, banquets, funerals, and weddings.

Jan was never one to sit still. She found joy in tending to her beautiful garden, baking pies and cookies for loved ones, and making her famous cheesecake that brought smiles to everyone. She loved feeding the cows behind her home and never met a squirrel she didn’t like! Family vacations to Daytona Beach—where everyone piled into one room and enjoyed far too much food—were among her happiest memories.

Jan is survived by her brother, Mark Klingensmith; her devoted husband of 70 years, Bud Chess; and her children, Victoria Quillen, Doug Chess, and Vonda Helms. She is also lovingly remembered by her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward her spirit of compassion and love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Warren and Lillian Klingensmith; her sister, Gaye Clark; her daughter, Valeri Joyner; and her granddaughter, Tammie Bader.

Jan will forever be remembered for her infectious smile, kind heart, and the love she so generously shared with everyone around her.

You will be missed beyond measure! Until we see you again, Love you Granny!