Jane Elizabeth (Reyhons) Schmidt, 61, is now dancing with the angels and singing “Hallelujah” on the corner of Praise Avenue in Heaven with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and family and friends who have gone on before her. Her death Friday, Oct. 14, 2016, was due to complications of diabetes.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the Gay and Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home Interment will be at Oakland Cemetery in Solon. Following her burial, everyone is invited to Our Lord’s Church in Solon to continue to celebrate Jane’s life with a time of visitation and fellowship. Online condolences may be shared with Jane’s family at www.gayandciha.com.

Janie came to know Jesus through forgiveness, repentance and acceptance of His gift of eternal life at a Billy Graham Crusade in 1973. She faithfully served him at various churches in Minnesota and Iowa.

Janie’s passion in life was writing — whether it be short, inspirational pieces or letters. She was owner of Turtles Ministry — helping people come out of their shells — for over 35 years.  This ministry provided friendship-by-mail to uplift, bless and encourage people with cards, letters and small gifts.   In her lifetime, she wrote and received over 35,000 cards and letters and was an encouragement to many people using her Facebook page.

She was a member of Toastmasters International, Old Capitol No. 164 for over 25 years. 

Janie was a woman of varied interests.  She loved to collect and share that enthusiasm with friends and pen pals.

Janie was born Jan. 5, 1955, to Donald Edward and Joyce Marie (Boehm) Reyhons of Solon, Iowa. She was blessed with the addition of a brother, Joseph Donald, and sister, Judith Ann.  They proceeded her in death. She graduated from Solon High School in 1973. She married John A. Schmidt on June 5, 1982, in Albert Lea and is survived by him and two nieces, Valerie Weets and Emily Weets; and brothers-in-law Nathan Schmidt (fiancee, Nancy Schultz) and Dale Weets. 

Memorials may be made to the family or the Crisis Center Food Bank of Johnson County and moreloveletters.com.