Janice Irene Bantum, age 96, of Coshocton, passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025. She was born on October 6, 1928, to the late Frank G. and Audrey (Lapp) Thresh near Otsego, Ohio. 

She graduated Valedictorian of her class from Monroe Rural High School in Otsego, in 1946. Janice then attended Coshocton Business School. 

She worked for General Electric for 36 ½ years in the office before retiring in 1985. On July 8, 1956, she married Kenneth V. Bantum and celebrated 53 years of marriage before his passing on September 6, 2009. 

Janice was an active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and volunteered at the church for many years. She and husband enjoyed traveling and took many trips including the Panama Canal. She played the piano, flute, and sang in the church choir; she enjoyed bowling, sewing and crafting, and visiting friends and family 

Janice is survived by her stepson, Kenneth L. (Valarie) Bantum of Reno, NV, five step-grandchildren, Suzanne (Josh) Fortmann, Brad Bantum, Christine Bantum, Dr. Brian (Cortnee) Bantum, and Keary (Brian) Motz. Six step-great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, brother-in-law, Ben Bantum, and sister-in-law, Hiroko Bantum. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two infant children, Pamela and Brent, stepson, Larry Bantum, and her brother Kenneth Thresh. 

Calling hours were held on Monday, August 18, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Given-Dawson-Paisley Funeral Home, 186 Park Ave., Coshocton, Ohio 43812. A memorial service was held on Tuesday, August 15, 2025, at 11:15 am at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 1500 Pleasant Valley Dr., Coshocton, Ohio 43812. Burial followed at South Lawn Cemetery with Pastor Bryan Kittner officiating.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made in Janice’s name to Emmanuel Lutheran Church. 

An online memorial can be viewed at www.given-dawson-paisleyfh.com.