Isabelle Janis

Isabelle Clara (Clifford) Janis was born August 22, 1926 at her parents’ home at North Route, Kyle, SD by the river, to John (Big Foot John) Clifford and Emma (Reynolds) Clifford. Isabelle attended elementary and high school at Holy Rosary & St. Francis Mission. Isabelle worked at the munitions depot in Igloo, SD where she met her husband, Benjamin Janis who was on military leave. They were married shortly after and enjoyed 52 years of marriage together. Isabelle and Benjamin moved to Manderson, SD where Isabelle worked at the Manderson Day School as cook and supervisor for 32 years before she retired. After retiring from the school, Isabelle worked as a nutrition educator for the South Dakota Extension Program where she traveled the reservation and helped many families learn to cook using foods available through the commodity program. Isabelle loved to laugh, smile, visit with friends, and spend time with her children and many grandchildren. She cared deeply for her community and always had a kind word for everyone. Isabelle is survived by her: Children: Benjamin W. Janis of Fort Meade, SD, Kathleen Hayes of Albuquerque, NM, Delores (George) Starr, Rosalie Janis, Lawrence (Liz) Janis, and Ted (Brenda) Janis all of Manderson, SD, Janice (Fernando) Roman of Kinnear, WY, Linda (Gordy) Janis of Flandreau, SD, and Terry (Olivia) Janis of Mahnomen, MN. Grandchildren: 27 Great Grandchildren: 68 Great-Great Grandchildren: 2 Numerous god children, nieces, nephews, and family members. Isabelle was preceded in death by her parents, John M. Clifford and Emma Clifford; brothers, Clarence and Vincent; sisters, Dora, Hannah, Alvina, Martha, Pearl, Francis, Matilda, Regina, and Helen; spouse, Benjamin J. Janis; one grandchild, Theodore Louis Janis; and son-in-law, Patrick A. Hayes. Wake Services: One night wake services will start at 3:00 PM, Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at the Wounded Knee District School in Manderson, SD Funeral Services: 10:00 AM, Thursday, July 23, 2015 at the Wounded Knee District School in Manderson, SD Burial Services: Benjamin Janis Family Cemetery, Manderson, SD Officiating: Father Peter Klink, S.J. Traditional Lakota Services: Mr. Richard Broken Nose Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD