Janice Alder

Janice Joanne (Johnson) Alder, 80, passed from this life at her home in Coaldale, Colorado, on May 7, 2026. Born on November 22, 1945, in Dodge City, Kansas, she was the daughter of James Otis and Jessie Juanita (Gibson) Johnson.

On October 24, 1971, Janice married the love of her life, Don Alder, in Dodge City. The couple embarked on a new adventure in 1977 when they purchased a campground and moved to the mountains of Colorado. Janice quickly became an integral part of her new community; in 1978, she trained as an EMT and spent the next 11 years as a volunteer for the Ramrod Ambulance Service, providing care to the western end of Fremont County.

Janice had a playful spirit, always ready with a teasing remark or a story she could never quite tell without smiling. She found her greatest joy in simple moments—camping in Colorado, getting lost in a good book, or gathering around a table for cards and games with the people she loved.  She adored word search puzzles and, for a time, could reliably be found at the bingo hall. Though petite in stature, she carried a spirited spark, balanced by a warm and caring heart.

She is survived by her husband, Don Alder of 54 years; her daughters, Lisa Hall (Tim) and Capulet Williams (Russ); and her step-daughter, Shawnna Jewett (Ed). Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren, Gideon and Avigale Williams; her step-grandchildren, Clint Bieberle (Chelsea) and Brett Bieberle (Jana); four great-grandchildren; and her nephew, Rodney Johnson.

A memorial luncheon to celebrate Janice’s life will be held on June 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Grandview Christian Church in the Fellowship Hall, 3245 Grandview, Cañon City, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the CommonSpirit Guest House Ministry (John Zay Guest House) as a tribute to Janice Alder. Contributions can be made online at:  https://give.commonspirit.org/penrosestfrancishealthfoundation/donate.  Select Guest House Ministry as Designation and check the box to make this gift in tribute to Janice Alder, in Memory Of.

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