Janice K. Higginbottom

July 15, 1936 - June 17, 2020

Janice K. Higginbottom, 83 of Bluffton passed away on Wednesday morning, June 17, 2020, at her residence. She was born on July 15, 1936 in Polk County, Iowa to Norman C. & Velma (Stemler) Miller. She graduated as the valedictorian at Maxwell High School and attended some classed at the University of Iowa. Janice & Arthur James “A.J.” Higginbottom were married on December 25, 1954 in Elkhart, Iowa. They shared 64 years of marriage and he preceded her in death on February 8, 2019. Janice and A.J. started their own company, H.M.S. Zoo Diets, and developed nutritional formulas and the production of specialty foods for many animals at zoos across the country. Janice served as the President and held an active role in the operations. She had a talent for sewing, quilting and working in her flower gardens. She loved to read, swim and will be remembered for her hospitality to anyone who visited! Most of all, she was very proud of the title Grandma! She attended First Church of Christ. Survivors include her daughter, Barbara L. (Scott) Mossburg of Bluffton, a son Jeffery J. (Kimberly) Higginbottom of Bluffton, 13 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Norma Jean Mauch of Bondurant, Iowa. Janice is preceded in death by her parents and a son, Brian L. Higginbottom, a brother, Robert Miller, an infant sister, Marilyn Miller and sister Mary Ann Brown. The safety of the family and all visitors are our utmost priority. For everyone’s safety, we ask that you practice social distancing and masks are optional during your visit. We appreciate your cooperation and patience. A service to celebrate Janice’s life will take place at 2 P.M. on Sunday (June 21, 2020) at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton with Pastor Brandon Kelley officiating. Calling hours will be held from 12 Noon to 2 P.M. on Sunday at the funeral home, prior to the service. Burial will take place at Elm Grove Cemetery in Bluffton. Memorials may be made to Zoological Association of America. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends can send online condolences to the family at www.thomarich.com.