Janet Tewell
Janet Tewell
June 23, 1940 – April 17, 2026
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 85
Janet Tewell, 85, of Oskaloosa, died Friday, April 17, 2026, at MHP Hospice Serenity House surrounded by her family.
Born June 23, 1940, in Princeton, Indiana, to Harold and Ethel (Davis) Ransford.
Janet married the love of her life, James F. Tewell on March 17, 1957, beginning nearly 53 years of marriage. Family was always her greatest joy, and she devoted her life to caring for those she loved.
After moving to Oskaloosa in 1969, Janet worked at Pella Rolscreen (now Pella Corporation) for 36 years before retiring. Never one to sit still, she later worked as a medication manager at White Oak Estates until retiring in 2015.
Janet was a devoted member of 4 Real Church, where she enjoyed Bible studies and gospel concerts. She loved watching her favorite afternoon “stories”, doing crossword puzzles, shopping, celebrating holidays, and spending time with family and friends. A wonderful cook, Janet generously shared her meals, and her love, with everyone.
She is survived by her children: Debra Bonea, Stacy (& Everett) Montgomery, Stephanie (& Troy) Kraber, James H. Tewell, and Joe (& Angel) Tewell; 13 grandchildren: Michael Tewell, Brittany Pope, Jaime Tewell, Tiffany Tewell, Jack Lewis, Matt Lewis, Dustin Montgomery, Shane Montgomery, Christopher Montgomery, Marie Stephenson, James Simon, Dalton Kraber, and Cole Kraber; 15 great grandchildren: Drayton, Jamison, Anistyn, Kam, Nathan, Kilie, Kira, Zoey, Natilee, Scarlett, Addison, Violet, Kasher, Mila, and Arthur; a sister, Donna Kay Robb of Princeton, Indiana; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James F. Tewell; her daughter, Julia Lewis; her parents; and sisters, Joanne Spruell and Betty Davis.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Bates Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Paul Williams officiating.
Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., with family greeting friends from 4:00 p.m. until service time.
Cremation will follow, and Janet and James will be laid to rest together at Forest Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be made to 4 Real Church or MHP Hospice Serenity House.
