Janice Elaine Gaddis, 68, of Robinson, IL, passed away unexpectedly at her home on September 30, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends. Her life was a story of heart and humor, a blend of adventures both big and small, shared with the people she held most dear. Born on October 18, 1955, in Terre Haute, IN, to Billy & Mary Morecraft, Janice grew up in Casey, IL, where the country life shaped her robust spirit. She loved the outdoors and the thrill of mushroom hunting (yet hated the bugs that came with it.) With her siblings and friends, she spent hours roaming fields and forests, coming home with stories as big as her heart. Even in her youth, she had a soft spot for animals, a tenderness that remained with her all her life.
A 1973 graduate of Casey High School, Janice would work for a number of local businesses, but it was while she was working at Underwood Electric that she met Roscoe Gaddis—the Pepsi delivery man who would change her life forever—thanks to her persistent pestering for Diet Pepsi (a ruse to get him to talk to her.) From that fateful encounter, they built a life together that spanned nearly five decades, filled with disco dances, laughter that echoed through the years, and countless road trips that brought them to every corner of the country. Together, they raised children, won dance contests, attended countless festivals, traveled, and became inseparable companions. Where one went, the other followed, hand in hand, side by side. Seeing as how they were both avid sports fans, they made many memories together at ball games. She was an unwavering St. Louis Cardinals fan, cheering them on at Busch Stadium with the same gusto she brought to every aspect of her life. Over time, she became an Indianapolis Colts fanatic who found that she enjoyed football so much that even Roscoe couldn’t keep up with her enthusiasm!
For as much as she loved sports, Janice’s home was her heart, and her heart was her family. There wasn’t a holiday or a casual visit when she didn’t ensure everyone was well-fed and well-loved. Her kitchen was a sanctuary of flavors, with her Italian Beef becoming legendary at Fourth of July gatherings, and her home was always a place of refuge—a safe haven where anyone could find warmth, comfort, and, of course, her infectious laugh! That one-of-a-kind laugh of hers lit up every room, and once it started, it was impossible not to join in. Janice loved her grandkids fiercely, spoiling them with gifts that weren’t just about material things, but about love and care. She created memories that will never fade—”dress rides” in the nightgown she’d swing them around in, and long nights spent around the firepit, laughing, joking, and basking in the joy of simply being together. And if anyone dared touch her special Diet Mountain Dew cup, they’d be met with her playful but sharp reminder: she always knew!
Janice was, above all, selfless. She gave without hesitation, whether it was a home-cooked meal or simply her time and attention. Even in her final years, as her own health faltered, she was Roscoe’s unwavering caregiver, never leaving his side, a testament to the enduring bond they shared. It could be said that her life was a festival—a celebration of the people she loved and the experiences they shared. Whether it was traveling to the Smoky Mountains or gathering around a holiday table, Janice brought joy, laughter, and a sense of belonging. She was the glue that held many lives together, and though her absence will be deeply felt, her love will continue to lift up and radiate through those she leaves behind.
She is survived by her husband and lifelong companion, Roscoe Gaddis (Robinson, IL); her children, Annie Goodwin (Robinson, IL) and Katy Gaddis (Chicago, IL); her step-son, Jason Gaddis (Alexandria, VA); her grandchildren, Austin Mitchell (Robinson, IL), Corina Mitchell (Vincennes, IN), Victoria Chiasson (Robinson, IL), Addy Gaddis (Oblong, IL), and Donovan Gaddis (El Paso, TX); her great-grandchildren, Caisen Herre (Vincennes, IN), Ocean Daugherty (Vincennes, IN), and Ellie Mitchell (Robinson, IL); her siblings, Roy “Son” & Diane Morecraft (Kansas, IL), Rick Morecraft (Greenup, IL), and Billie “Dollie” & Rick Cook (Mattoon, IL); her mother-in-law, Marcia Gaddis (Heathsville, IL); her brother-in-law, Greg & Penny Gaddis (Heathsville, IL); her sister-in-law, Debbie Alumbaugh (Heathsville, IL); and several nieces, nephews, and dear friends, including her special friend of over 40 years, Cinderella Reynolds (Newton, IL). She was preceded in death by her parents, her father-in-law, Roscoe Gaddis, and her brothers-in-law, Brad and Pat Gaddis.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 7th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Family and friends are encouraged to wear their favorite Cardinals or Colts gear to honor Janice’s lifelong love of her teams. A memorial service will immediately follow the visitation at 7:00 p.m. on Monday and will be officiated by Celebrant Curt Goodwine. During the service, there will be time for all who knew her to share their stories, laughter, and love for the woman who touched so many lives. Memorials may be made to the “Crawford County Humane Society”, reflecting Janice’s lifelong compassion for animals. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home. For more information, or to share a memory or condolence online, please visit www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com.
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