Janice Lorene Hyden

Janice Lorene Hyden, 79, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2026. Born on September 23, 1947, Janice was raised on a farm outside the small rural town of Elizabethtown, Indiana. As the oldest daughter, she often helped care for her younger siblings, beginning a lifelong pattern of caring for others. At the age of 14, she moved with her family to Ohio. Shortly after graduating from high school, she married Harold Hunter, and together they had two children, Adam and Melissa. Later in life, she married Henry “Hank” Hedrick, with whom she shared many happy years until his passing in 2003.

Janice earned an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Sinclair Community College. For 30 years, she served as the bookkeeper and secretary at Creative Learning Center, where her cheerful nature and encouragement touched the lives of children, families, and coworkers. Following retirement, Janice embraced a quiet and peaceful life at home. She treasured the close bonds she shared with her family and found contentment in life’s simple pleasures, including reading, sewing, knitting, and crocheting. She especially loved making gifts for others and continued making hats and scarves to donate until the final months of her life.

Janice had a joyful spirit and a special gift for making people feel welcome and accepted. She gave freely of whatever the Lord blessed her with, leaving behind a beautiful example of love expressed through simple acts of kindness.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Lorene Hyden; her husband, Henry “Hank” Hedrick; her brothers, Butch Hyden, Joe Hyden, and Richard Hyden; and her sister, Becky Cochran.

She is survived by her son, Adam Hunter, and his daughters, Heather and Sarah; her daughter, Melissa Coles, and her children, David, Kennedy, Dawnielle, and Noel; her beloved aunt, Jo Neal; her sister, Marilyn Hyden-Tooke; and her brother, Don Hyden, and his wife, Margarette. She also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren who will carry forward her legacy of love and generosity.

A celebration of Janice’s life will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026, at Chapel on the Lane, 6213 Miller Lane, Dayton, Ohio 45414. Those who are unable to stay for the full service are invited to visit between 10:00 and 10:30 a.m. to pay their respects. Everyone is welcome to attend the celebration of life beginning at 10:30 a.m. The service will include an opportunity for family and friends to share their favorite memories of Janice. A casual luncheon will follow the service.

For those who wish to send flowers, the family especially welcomes living plants, flowering bushes, or trees that can be planted as a lasting reminder of her life. Please send gifts to Chapel on the Lane at the address above.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may also be made in Janice’s honor. Checks can be made payable to Janice Hyden and mailed to 101 Ernst Ave, Dayton OH, 45405 or, contact Melissa, Janice’s daughter for Venmo or PayPal links.

Janice showed her love in the little things—a phone call to check in or a handmade hat, scarf, or quilt. She had a way of making people feel valued simply by sharing life’s everyday moments with them, even if it was just visiting over a cup of coffee.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Newcomer Funeral Home, North Chapel, 4104 Needmore Road, Dayton, OH. To share a memory of Janice or to leave her family a special message, please sign the online guestbook provided.