Janet L. Dempsey, age 77, of Washington died Friday, June 17, 2011 at her home in Washington following a lengthy illness.

Janet's body was donated to the University of Iowa College of Medicine. Private family services will be held at a later date. Memorials for the American Cancer Society, D.A.V. Disabled Veterans Fund and Hospice can be sent to the family at 381 East Hickory Street, Riverside, Iowa 52327. Online condolences may be sent to the family through the web at www.jonesfh.com . The Jones & Eden Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Janet was born September 8, 1933 in Washington, Iowa the daughter of Joe and Edna Mae (Woods) Simmering. She graduated from Washington High School in 1951 and attended Kirkwood Community College. In high school Janet worked as an actual telephone operator. Later she worked for the Department of Human Services, Montgomery Ward as a sales associate, Northrup King, was the head teller at Washington National Bank, and worked for the Armory and McCleery Cummings Company. She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Washington. Besides being the best mother in the world, she enjoyed quilting, embroidering, and needle point. She enjoyed hiking and vacationing with family but mostly people who she worked with in the past. She was a fantastic cook, and took it to a whole new level. She was the secretary of the Class of 1951 Reunions, where this year would have been her 60th. Janet was voted as Citizen of the Year, twice by her community.

Janet is survived by her daughter, Susan K. Dempsey of Washington; son, Daniel J. Dempsey and wife, Ruby of Riverside; son, Jason D. Dempsey of Washington; her grandchildren, Elizabeth Johnson of Ft. Meyers, Florida; Travis Dempsey, United States Army; three great grandchildren, Caprice Dempsey, of Brighton; Brenna Dempsey of North Liberty; Aden Johnson of Ft. Meyers, Florida; and one brother, Norman E. Simmering and wife Betty Ruth of Bartonville, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her parents.