Janice Marquardt Gifford

Janice Elaine Marquardt Gifford, of Riverside, Ohio, passed away on October 3, 2026. She was born on September 25, 1938, in Dayton, and remained closely connected to the community that shaped her life.

Janice was a proud, top 5% graduate of Wilbur Wright High School, Class of 1956, and she took special joy in keeping in contact with her classmates through the years. That lasting loyalty to the people in her life was a reflection of who she was at heart: warm, loving, and deeply thoughtful. She had a great sense of humor all the way to the end, carried herself with wonderful manners and etiquette, and was known for being very smart and especially particular about grammar. To many, she was more than a relative or friend; she was a mother figure whose kindness and steady presence brought comfort and encouragement.

Her working life was marked by dedication and commitment. Janice served as head teller at First National Bank and retired after 30 years of service there. She gave the same care and reliability to her work that she gave to every other part of her life.

Janice embraced her interests with energy and joy. She was a member of the Milton Club, the T-Bird Club, and the Wilbur Wright Alumni Group, and she was also active in the Miniature Club. She loved sewing and used that gift to create quilts, stuffed animals, and clothing, each made with the care of her hands and the generosity of her heart. She also served as a Girl Scout Leader, sharing her time and guidance with others. Music was another important part of her life. She loved to sing, and it was through choir in high school that she met her husband, Guy Gifford. She also loved dancing and playing the piano, bringing beauty and happiness to everyday moments.

She is survived by her daughters, Gwen Gifford Nevin and Gay Elaine Young. She also leaves behind a cherished circle of grandchildren: Dawn Jones, Courtney Rowe, Heather Gifford, Bradley Young, Bryan Young, Janice Fryer, Benjamin Young, and Blake Young; and great-grandchildren: Brendan, Sophia, Maryn, Victoria, Myles, Memphis, Oliver and a little girl on the way. Their lives stand as part of her enduring legacy, and the love she gave them will continue to be felt for years to come. Janice is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Janice was preceded in death by her husband, Guy Gifford; her daughter, Gail Lynn Gifford; her son, Gregory Bruce Gifford; her parents, Eldon and Dorothea Marquardt; and her brothers, Richard Marquardt and John Marquardt. She carried the love of her family throughout her life, and that bond remains unbroken in memory.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, North Chapel, 4104 Needmore Rd, Dayton, Ohio 45424, where the memorial service will begin at 1:30 p.m.

Janice will be remembered for her warmth, her laughter, her intelligence, her creativity, and the gracious way she moved through the world. Her life touched many people, and her memory will be treasured by all who knew and loved her.

To share a memory of Janice or to leave her family a special message, please sign the online guestbook provided.