Janice Rena (Hawkins) Zoeller

Janice Rena Zoeller, 66, of Charlestown, Indiana. Janice left this world on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at her daughter’s home, surrounded by love. She faced her illness with the same fire and humor that defined her life, saying with a smile, “I’m kicking its tail,” even in her final days.

Born at Clark County Hospital in Jeffersonville, IN, to the late Robert W. and Bobbie Jean Hawkins, Janice brought warmth and light wherever she went. A proud graduate of Charlestown High School’s class of 1978, she filled her days with music, games, and sports, Chess Club, Concert Band, Chorus, volleyball, and basketball.

Janice earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from IUS, but her path led her into automation. For 30 years, she worked at Samtec in New Albany, crafting computer components, embodying strength and resilience every step of the way. While her kids were in school, she was doing the time clock thing.

More than anything, Janice loved being a mother, nana, and friend. Her hugs were legendary, her smile unforgettable. She spent quality time growing up playing and fishing on the family farm with her sister and cousins. Cheering loudly at ballgames, laughing over a game of Bunco, or basking in the sun on the beaches of Myrtle Beach or Panama City. Whether helping in the community or worshipping in church, her presence was a blessing. Her soul was beautiful, full of nothing but smiles and love.

Janice was our loudest cheerleader, our shoulder to lean on, and giver of the absolute best hugs. Her legacy will live on in the stories we share, the strength she taught us, and the love that never fades.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her great-niece, Alexis Laso; her paternal grandparents, Charles H. and Reba Belle Hawkins; and her maternal grandparents, Henry and Pearlie Boggs Frazier.

Left to carry her memory forward are her devoted children, Amy D. Murphy (Gary II) and John Zoeller III; her adoring grandchildren, Braiden Murphy (Addison), Gracie Johnson (Derrick), Gary Murphy III, Brantley Zoeller, and Bennett Zoeller; her precious great-grandson, Aubre Murphy; her sister, Sherri Coyne (Steve); niece, Brittney Laso (Michael); nephew, Steven Coyne (Brittany); great-nieces Rowan and Avery Laso; great-nephew Brayden Laso; the father of her children, John W. Zoeller II; and a loving circle of cousins and friends.

A Life Celebration service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 5, 2025, at Grayson Funeral Home in Charlestown, with Pastor Jon Talbott officiating. Burial will follow at Charlestown Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service.