Janice M. (Neese) Dienstberger

Janice M. Dienstberger age 87 of Ashland, passed away on April 29, 2023 at her residence with her husband Paul and granddaughter Niki, by her side.

Born in Lima, Ohio on March 21, 1936 the daughter of William and Maebelle (Herring) Neese, she had been a resident of Ashland for 53 years.

Janice was a graduate of Lima High School and attended Bowling Green State University. While attending her first class Paul Dienstberger sat down beside her and they would later marry. A marriage that would last 66 years.

Janice and Paul were married on September 14, 1956 in Lima, Ohio in a service that was conducted by the bride's uncle, Robert Miller. Her husband Paul gave her a historical account of their almost 69 years of love in the book My BGSU Sweetheart which is a family treasure.

In addition to her husband Paul, Mrs. Dienstberger is survived by grandchildren; Niki (Ben) Sponsler, Carly (Sean) Little, Tyson (Kristy Day) Dienstberger, Ryan (Arielle) Dienstberger and step grandchildren, Eric, Adam and Alex Thorton. Also surviving are ten great grandchildren; Aiden, Sophie, Maddie and Collin Little, Livia, Brendan, Elsie Sponsler, Lilly Dienstberger and Harper and Isla Dienstberger. One step great grandson, Jackson Thornton also survives. Also surviving are one daughter in law and one son in law, Donna Dienstberger and Mike Eighinger.

Janice is preceded in death by her two children; Kris Eighinger and Kyle Dienstberger.

Janice has been a member of the Grace Brethren Church where she taught Sunday School and headed Vacation Bible School for years. She was one of the founders of the Old Uniontown Quilt Guild and was the longtime Treasurer. She was part of the 1993 class of Women of Achievement. She also loved quilting, button shows and family genealogy. She was a fan of the Professional Bull Riders Association. She also truly loved babysitting her grandchildren. The family will especially miss her birthday parties and weekly dinners.

Jan and Paul had a long standing relationship with Carole Baker who was a friend from BGSU who passed three years ago and who the family affectionately referred to as “Aunt Bake”

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday May 3, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Grace Church, 1144 West Main Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805 with Pastor Dan Allan officiating. Burial will follow the funeral service in the Ashland Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family at the Grace Church on Tuesday May 2, 2023 from 6:00 pm till 8:00 pm.

For those wishing to make memorial contributions in Mrs. Dienstberger’s name you may do so by giving to her favorite Missionary, Betsy Becker in care of Grace Church, 1144 West Main Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805.

Online condolences may be left for the Dienstberger family by visiting www.heylfuneralhome.com

Heyl Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Janice M. (Neese) Dienstberger, please visit our floral store.