Janis Lee Wassman

Janis Lee Wassman, 79, of Tipton, MO, passed away Friday, October 10, 2025, at University Hospital in Columbia, MO.

She was born on September 19, 1946, in California, MO, a daughter of F. Nelson and Johnnie (Lowe) Norman.

Janis devoted her life to education, faith, and community service. Throughout her career, she taught at various schools, shaping the lives of countless students with patience and compassion. She later retired from the Department of Corrections, where she continued her mission of guiding others through education and understanding.

A woman of deep faith, Janis was a dedicated member of the First Christian Church in Tipton, where she served faithfully as an Elder and Sunday School teacher for many years. Her leadership extended beyond the classroom as she served as President of the Christian Women’s Fellowship, always encouraging others in their walk with Christ.

Janis was also a proud and active member of the Tipton Lions Club, where she served multiple terms as President and sat on the Mid South Lions Board of Directors for many years, helping to lead community projects and local service efforts. Her dedication to community betterment also included serving on the Board of the Tipton Nutrition Center, and the Price James Library, where she supported education and literacy for all ages.

Outside of her professional and community endeavors, Janis enjoyed collecting Nutcrackers and was an avid sports fan. For over 30 years, she served as the scorekeeper for Tipton High School volleyball games, a role she cherished until her health no longer allowed her to continue. Her most treasured times, however, were spent cheering on her beloved grandchildren in all of their sports and activities — her pride and joy.

Janis will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her passion for teaching, her heart for service, and the love she so freely gave to her family and community.

Survivors include two daughters, Gay Baer (Jeff) of Tipton, Sandy Barnes (Donnie) of Eldon, MO, and three grandchildren, Madeline, Tyler and Jackson Baer.

In addition to both of her parents she was preceded in death by her first husband, Wilfred Wieland; and one infant sister, Georgia Lynn Norman.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Meisenheimer-Page-Dady Funeral Home in Tipton. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the First Christian Church in Tipton. Burial will follow in the California City Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Tipton Nutrition Center.