Janet Marie Harker (“Jan”) of Nashville, Indiana, passed away Wednesday evening, April 13, 2022, at the Brown County Health and Living nursing facility.
Jan was born in Kansas City, Kansas, on July 30, 1956, the daughter of Oren and Jacqueline Rickey. She had two brothers, one of whom, Ken Rickey of Henderson, Nevada survives her.
Jan had a strong personality that served her well through her life. On graduation from high school, she was accepted as a student at Kansas State University, earning her undergraduate degree there with scholarships and part time work. She then went on to Iowa State University where, on her own financing, she earned her master’s degree in Sports Management and Sports Medicine. Her career ranged from such diverse work as midwifing race horse colts to an extended career of successful financial turn-arounds of YMCA’s and community recreation centers ranging from upstate New York to Blythville, Arkansas. She served a short period as Director of the Brown County (IN) YMCA.
On Sept. 3, 2005, she and Kenneth R. Harker, Jr. (“Ken”), were married in Nashville, Indiana. With her marriage she “inherited” a stepson and step-daughter and, as well, three step-grandchildren, all of whom survive her. She is mourned and missed by her husband and extended family, as well as her many friends in Brown County and from many parts of the United States.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BondMitchellFuneralHome.
