Retired LTC Janet "Jan" Ellis Ziegler, US Army, aged 92 and 9 months passed peacefully on 20th February at The Cottage at Cypress Cove in Fort Myers, FL.
Jan was a graduate of Pittsfield High School (Class of '47); Dean College, Franklin, MA and the University of California, San Francisco where she met her late husband LTC George H. Ziegler. They married in Richmond, MA in 1962. Although a staunch New Englander, Jan and her husband moved to FL starting their final retirement years in Bluewater Bay where they attended the First United Methodist church together. Jan was widowed in 2000 and decided in 2015 to move to Fort Myers where ‘it was warmer’!!
LTC Janet Ziegler served proudly from PFC to LTC for 21 years in the regular Army with tours of duty in Germany and Vietnam. Her service awards include the Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation medal with Oak Leaf cluster.
Funeral services, with full military honors and burial will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be announced.
Jan was a good Christian, a good friend and a great neighbor who always enlivened any social gathering with her snacks. Her love of dogs and her talent for pet sitting was legendary. Always striving to keep fit, we know that dog-walking was her favorite sport second only to the very early morning dash for that ideal bargain at several local yard sales!
Janet Ziegler is survived by her step-daughter, Debra Ziegler and her son-in-law, Colin Lewin, who both reside in the UK; her nephews Bill Ellis of ID and Mike Ellis of Pittsfield, MA and her nieces Liz Lucas and Janet Bea Helms of TX as well as several great and great-great nieces and nephews.
We are all saddened by her passing but pleased to have many good memories of a woman who always enjoyed a fine meal that she didn't have to cook, a good party and a witty toast.
Cheers to Jan who has returned to be with the Lord and her beloved husband George. There will be many waiting to greet her as she joins God’s Army.
Memorial contributions in her name would be appreciated to either Alaqua Animal Refuge, Freeport, FL; the First United Methodist Church of Niceville, FL; or The Military Officers Association of America Scholarship Fund.
Any contribution you wish to make in Jan’s name to your favorite charity will also be appreciated.
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