Janice E. Houk, age 68, passed away on January 27, 2017 following a lengthy illness. Janice was born December 22, 1948 in Roseland, KS, the daughter of the late Tony and Ruth (Lanning) Begando. She moved to Joplin in October of 2016, moving here from Columbus, KS where she had lived most of her life. She worked at the Adams Five and Dime store in downtown Columbus and then became a beautician for a short period of time. She then worked as a receptionist at the Columbus (Mercy) Medical Clinic for several years, and ended her career as the City Clerk for the City of Columbus. Janice was a member of the Sherwin Christian Church in Sherwin, KS. She was active in the Grace for the Journey Cancer support group at the First Christian Church in Columbus. Janice married Stephen Houk on July 25th, 2013 and he survives. Additional survivors include her son, Terry Blancett of Columbus, KS; a step son, Stephen Houk Jr and his wife Rachel of Gross Point, MI; two brothers, Tom Begando of Columbus, KS and Charles Begando of Weir, KS; two sisters, Margaret Paradee of Columbus, KS and Sarah Anderson of Tulsa, OK, and two step grandchildren, Thadeous and Margaret. She was preceded in death by two brothers; Richard (Dick) and Antone (Toot) Begando and one sister, Norma DePratt. Services are scheduled for 10:00 am Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. Dennis Johnson and Jeff Martin will officiate. Burial will follow the service at Stone Cemetery, west of Diamond, MO. The family will receive friends at the Mortuary from 6 pm to 7 pm Tuesday evening. Contributions can be made to The Sherwin Christian Church in care of the Mortuary. Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.