Janet I. (Hantz) Dowell

Janet I. Dowell, 83, passed away on Saturday, August 5th, 2023.  Janet was born August 28, 1939, in Scott Township, Indiana to Earl and Velma (Skelly) Hantz.

Janet attended Metz High School until her junior year.  After moving to Angola just before her senior year in High School, Janet graduated in 1957 as the Salutatorian of her class.  She then went on to earn an Associate Degree from International Business College in 1958.  Janet started her career with Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo, Michigan where she worked for 4 years.  When she returned to Angola she worked at the Reflector and the Gas Company.

On April 20, 1963, she married Kenneth W. Dowell, and they purchased a local service station (later becoming Al Lonsbury Garage), which Kenny operated for many years.

In 1970 Janet began her banking career as a teller with First National Bank of Angola.  She stayed through many mergers (Trust Corp., Society Bank, Key Bank) as a loan officer, assistant vice president and branch manager of the Country Fair Branch.  Never one to stay still, Janet was coaxed into starting a new career in her 50’s and attended the Appraisal Institute, earning her Appraisal License in 1992.  She left banking and started a new career with Putnam Appraisals, where she worked until 2003. 

Janet had the heart of an angel and the hands of Jesus, providing compassion and hospitality to everyone she met.  She was always on the go – cooking, entertaining, playing cards, shopping, and traveling.  She would frequently prepare meals for friends, family or church events.  Her generosity was endless, and if a friend (or stranger) needed food, housing, or clothing she would immediately go to work to meet that need.  She never wanted anyone to go without. 

Her grandchildren were her pride and joy.  She loved to spend time with them at holidays and special events – always making sure there was plenty of homemade food and dessert on hand.  Playing cards was a given, with Euchre and Hand & Foot being two of her favorites. 

Janet was a member of the Pleasant View Church of Christ for over 50 years, and also belonged to the Psi Iota Xi Sorority (Auxiliary), and previously the Quad County Bankers Association.

She was active in many organizations including:  March of Dimes (Walk-a-thons), United Way, Girl Scout Leader, South Scott Cemetery Board, Country Fair Shopping Center Association, Steuben County Council on Aging, Cameron Hospital Auxiliary and the Angola Chamber of Commerce.

Surviving are her son Terry (Tammy) Dowell of Angola and daughter Diane (Patrick) Ummel of Greencastle, IN; four grandchildren: Brittany Duty (husband Ricky), Brady Dowell, Jason Ummel (wife Kalea), Derek Ummel and one great-granddaughter Addyson Duty; a Sister, Shirley Brownheim Watts of Michigan; a brother, Wendell Hantz of Auburn; along with several nieces and nephews and her long -time friend and “her other daughter” Jackie Weber (husband Scott) of Angola.

She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth W. Dowell on January 29, 2012; her parents; brother Wayne Hantz; and grandson Patrick Dowell.

Funeral Services will be at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at Pleasant View Church of Christ, Angola, Indiana.  Pastor Alan LaRue will be officiating.

Visitation will be from 10- 12 Noon, Saturday August 12, 2023, prior to the service at the church. 

Graveside services will be at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, August 12, 2023, at Greenlawn Cemetery, Orland, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the South Scott Cemetery, c/o Bev Knox 6335 E. Metz Rd., Angola, IN  46703.