Janet Lou Geiser

Janet Lou (Bowman) Geiser, age 85, was called home to be with Jesus on November 22, 2023 and was surrounded by her loving family as she departed.  Jan was born to Leonard Bowman and Dorothy (Pennington) Bowman on July 6, 1938 in Columbus, Ohio.  She was a graduate of Lancaster High School and White Cross Hospital School of Nursing in 1959. Jan married Ralph M. Geiser Jr. on August 8, 1959. Ralph and Jan raised their five children together in Columbus, Ohio sharing 63 wonderful years together until Ralph’s passing in August of 2022. 

Jan was a loving wife and devoted mother who found fulfillment in her family along with church, school, and volunteering for the local children’s hospital through TWIG 93. She was gifted in hospitality and would open her home up to those needing a meal or a place to stay. After several years as a homemaker, Jan resumed her nursing career at the Columbus Cancer Clinic where she was known for going above and beyond her responsibilities by caring for the practical needs of those she served. 

After 20 years, Janet retired and was blessed to be able to travel with Ralph through Europe, a trip to England, as well as a road trip from Ohio to California and back. In retirement, Jan volunteered for Birth Right; an organization supporting unwed mothers, by working at a thrift shop and making many purchases in support of the cause. Janet prioritized friendships old and new as a member of the Red Hat Society, time with coworkers turned friends from Columbus Cancer Clinic, and monthly lunches with the ladies of the neighborhood.

In Jan’s later years, as her health declined, she was able to continue living in her beloved home as she had desired with the help of her local family, Homewell caregivers, and Hospice nurses. Jan’s infectious laughter and inquisitive nature had a way of bringing lightness and joy to the lives of those around her even in her final days, as she enjoyed many visits from her loving family, young and old.

Jan was a loving follower of Jesus Christ and a proud member of St. Timothy’s Catholic Church. She believed in the importance of giving back and supporting her community. She felt it was a gift to make memories with many dear friends and extended family. 

Survivors include sister-in-law Tillie Geiser, brother-in-law Tod Ross, many cousins, nieces, and nephews.  Her children and their families, daughter Diana (Mark) Shumaker, Nic ( Angie) Shumaker, Ted (Weezy Shumaker, Michelle (Jim) Sturmi; daughter Linda (Bryan) Spencer, Christina (Brian) Yungfleisch, Christopher ( Robin) Wright, Katelin Wright, Jenny Wright, Natalie Wright, Jared (Amber) Spencer; son Douglas (Kim) Geiser, Mitch (Bizzie) Geiser, Nathan (Emily) Geiser, Dan (Hope) Geiser; son Michael (Katie) Geiser, Caroline (Travis) Shepherd, Alex (Nina) Geiser, Lauren (Dustin) Tynes, Bethany Geiser; daughter Angela (Sal) Caradonna, Salvatore Caradonna, Arielle Caradonna and Dominic Caradonna, along with 17 beloved great-grandchildren Dane, Maren and Olive Shumaker; Walt and Jack Shumaker; Gabby and Lexi Yungfleisch, Owen and Aiden Wright, Arya and Garret Spencer; K.O., Willis and Britton Geiser; Eliza and Rebekah Geiser; Oliver Tynes: Memories of “Mongie” will forever be etched in their hearts. 

Jan is preceded in death by her devoted husband, Ralph Geiser, her parents, brother Don Bowman, brother-in-law Edward Geiser, and sisters-in-law Janice Geiser, Karal Ross, and Joyce Vickery. 

The family extends special thanks to Hospice nurse Joane and Jan’s special friend and Homewell Aide Teresa.

Funeral arrangements will be made through Shaw-Davis Funeral Home.  Per Jan’s request, the service will be reserved for family only.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made out to Ohio Health Hospice or Health Fund for Nursing.