Janice Wilbur

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Janice Wilbur, 83, of Miller, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society in Miller.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church, Miller, with Rev. Allison Galbreath officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Hillcrest Cemetery, Miller.

Janice Elaine (Schwartz) Wilbur was born on December 30, 1942, in Miller. SD to Philip and Rosine (Melber) Schwartz. Janice grew up on the family farm in Florence Township in Hand County. Janice attended grade school at Spring Valley Country School and graduated from Miller High School in 1961; she then attended Huron College and graduated with an Elementary Education degree in 1965.

Janice married Lee Ward, and to this union, two children were born, Kevin and Kelly. Janice taught school in Michigan for a few years, then moved to Miller, SD, beginning her long teaching career with the Miller School District. Janice taught for 37 years and valued friendships with teachers and students.

Janice married Curtis Wilbur on August 3, 1985, in Miller. They shared 40 years together.

Janice had a big heart; she enjoyed visiting and loved remembering her students. Janice also enjoyed gardening, reading, crossword puzzles, and baking. She blessed neighbors, friends, and family with her delicious baked goods.

Janice is survived by her husband, Curtis Wilbur; her son, Kevin Ward and daughter, Kelly Ward; her grandchildren: Gabe (Alicia) Ward; Nathan (Claire) Ward and Ella Ward, and Brandi Schaffer; great grandchildren: Nickolas (Jenise Rose); Kaelyn, Brenden, Norah, Hazel Grace, and Grayson Ward, Brian, Jr., Timothy, and Jocelyn CanCino; brothers: Lloyd Schwartz (Paula) and Philip Ray (Marylou); and cherished nieces and nephews

Janice is preceded in death by her parents; sister-in-law, Judy Schwartz, and daughter-in-law, Mary Ward.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Janice’s arrangements.