Janice M. McLain

Ewing — Janice Marie McLain, 89, of Ewing, died Sunday, Jan. 15, 2026 at Country Lane Retirement Village in O'Neill with family by her side.

Visitation was held Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 at St. John's Catholic Church in rural Ewing with a parish rosary.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 at the church in Ewing. Revs. John Norman and James Kramper officiated.

Burial was in the St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill was in charge of the arrangements.

Janice was born on Aug. 25, 1936, on the family farm in Wheeler County, to Adolph and Marie (Pavel) Bartak. She attended country school at District 21 in Wheeler County and later graduated from Wheeler County High School with the Class of 1953. Following high school, Janice attended airline school in Omaha, to pursue training as a stewardess. She then returned to Neligh, where she was employed by Dr. McClenahan.

Janice met Pat McLain, and the couple were united in marriage on Dec. 27, 1955, at St. John's Catholic Church in Ewing. They made their home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and later Sioux Falls, SD, while Pat was employed with Western Credit Union. In 1959, they returned to the family farm in rural Wheeler County, where they raised their family.

Janice was a longtime and devoted member of St. John's Catholic Church and was active in the Christian Mothers organization. She was also a member of the Extension Club, where she enjoyed the fellowship of her neighboring friends.

She was well known for her exceptional cooking and took great pleasure in preparing meals for her family, harvest crews and friends.  Janice also enjoyed traveling, sewing, quilting and gardening, pursuits that reflected her creativity, generosity and love of home.

Janice is survived by her two daughters Micki (Jeff) Wright of Ewing and Jacki (Tony) Fiamengo of San Pedro, CA, two sons Dan (Janet) McLain of Ewing and Gary McLain of Kansas City, MO, 11 grandkids, 20 great-grandkids, one sister Shirley Sunderman of O'Neill, one sister-in-law Judy Ita of Ericson and other relatives, neighbors and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Adolph and Marie (Pavel) Bartak, her husband Pat McLain, father- and mother-in-law Art and Mina McLain, one great-grandson Kai Burgos, one infant brother and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.