Janis Lea Free, 68, of Newton died on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, at Unity Point Iowa Methodist Medical Center. A private family service will be held at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory. Memorials to the Donor’s Choice may be left at the funeral home.
Janis, the daughter of L. Wayne and Janet (Stewart) Richards, was born on January 23, 1952 in Newton. She was a lifelong resident of Newton and graduated from Newton High School in 1970. On February 22, 1969, Janis was united in marriage with Michael Free. She worked at many jobs throughout Newton including JC Penney, Nolin Drug, and Medicap. She had a 19-year career as a medical transcriptionist at Skiff Medical Center. She was an avid reader and enjoyed Harry Potter and playing Nintendo. Janis loved spending time with her family.
Janis is survived by her husband, Michael Free of Newton; children, Joseph (Amy) Free of Newton and Joshua (Casey) Free of Des Moines; grandchildren, John Free, Andrew Free, and Kaitlyn Free; her four great-grandchildren; and sister, Debra (Tom) Hinshaw of Lawrence, Kansas. She was precede in death by her parents and two brothers, Randy Richards and John Richards.
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