Janet Carole Wells

Janet Carole Ward Wells, 87, of Roodhouse, formerly of Rushville passed away at 7:15 am on Friday, April 11, 2025. She was born May 21, 1937, in Rushville to the late Ralph K. Ward and Mary Simpson Ward. Surviving is her husband of 38 years, Russell Wells of Roodhouse; three sons, Craig D. Tyson of Spring Hill, Florida, and wife Nancy; Mark S. Tyson of Rushville, Illinois, and wife Kim; and Brian W. Tyson of McKinney, Texas, and wife Stephanie; six grandchildren, Sara Rose Tyson Fitzjarrald of Rushville and husband Bryan; Nicholas J. Tyson of Springfield and wife Vee Alexander; Lauren E. Tyson of McKinney, Texas; Luke E. Tyson of McKinney, Texas; Cara E. Tyson McKinney, Texas; and Chloe E. Tyson of McKinney, Texas; great grandchildren Mila Fitzjarrald of Rushville; Beckett Fitzjarrald of Rushville; Rio Tyson of Springfield; and Llewelyn Tyson of Springfield. Her stepchildren included Don Wells and Evelyn; Connie Wells Crow and Jim; Paul Wells; Jim Wells and Becky; and Gary Wells and Debbie. Also surviving are 19 step grandchildren, 15 step great grandchildren and 7 step great great grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents Ralph K. and Mary Simpson Ward; brothers Lyle K. Ward and Wendell Ward; sisters Sara Ward Logsdon and Joan Ward Hanning; her stepmother, Myrtle Ward; her grandson Craig C. Tyson; her daughter-in-law Yvonne Tyson; her step daughters-in-law Cindy Wells Shaffer and Nancy Wells; and her step grandson Dewayne Wells. Carole graduated from Rushville High School in 1956. She married Jerry D. Tyson on August 5, 1956, at the First United Methodist Church in Rushville. Carole will be remembered for being an exceptional seamstress. She and her sister, Sara, owned and operated The Silver Thimble fabric store located on the square in Rushville for many years. One of the most creative ways that Carole was able to express her talents was through quilting. She became nationally known for her quilts, and she loved to teach others about quilting, share creations, work on community projects, and reach out to other quilters. Her second love in life was her passion for library science. She served as an Assistant Librarian at the Roodhouse Public Library for more than 17 years before retiring. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Barrow and was an active volunteer in a number of church programs over the years. Carole and Russell Wells were married at the First United Methodist Church in White Hall on March 28, 1987. She and Russell shared a passion for the outdoors and fishing and they were able to catch fish as far north as Alaska. But it was the Mississippi River that yielded her biggest catch — a 44-pound catfish. Carole was also an active gardener and enjoyed sharing vegetables with friends and neighbors. Carole loved brisk walks, and insisted on mowing her own yard as well as the lawns of the First Baptist Church of Barrow, and various cemeteries in the area. Perhaps the most endearing trait of Carole was her gift of hospitality. She had a special ability to serve her family and those in need. She was always able to warmly embrace anyone to their home, care for others, and create a welcoming environment. Anyone who was fortunate to enjoy her cooking, including her famed sugar cookies, knew that preparing meals for others was an admirable act of love. Carole was best known for her love of family and was surrounded by them when she passed. Visitation will be held 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Daws Family Funeral Home, 202 West Franklin, Roodhouse, IL 62082, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 pm. She will be buried at Pinetree Cemetery in Patterson. In lieu of flowers, condolences and expressions of sympathy may be made to the Barrow Baptist Church or to the Roodhouse Public Library.

Janet Carole Wells

May 21, 1937 - April 11, 2025