Janette Looney Shaull

Janette Looney was born on December 24, 1950 in Creston, Iowa, second daughter of Clelland, Sr. and Evelyn (Jones) Looney. Jan attended Cromwell school and was in the last graduating 8th grade class. She graduated from Creston High School in 1969 and attended SWCC for one year before transferring to ISU, majoring in Home Economics. During a scavenger hunt between Alpha Kapa Lamba fraternity and Alpha XI Delta sorority, she caught the eye of Harvey Shaull. They married on July 22, 1972 at Cromwell UCC, and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2022.

Together they raised their three sons: Jason Thomas, Nicholas Eugene and Derrick Quentin. With Harvey’s job in agriculture, the family lived in several communities throughout Iowa, Minnesota and Illinois. Every time they moved, they opened their hearts and home to others, making life-long friends, many who became like family. Jan was always involved in the boys’ activities from scouting to school to part-time jobs. In Charles City, Jan was very active in the Foster Grandparent program, and spear-headed the Washington School Carnival, turning it into a major fundraiser during her tenure. She was also an active member of the Mother’s Club in Charles City. She and the boys often credit the support she found within that group for maintaining her sanity during their younger years. Serving her church was also very important to Jan, teaching Sunday school and leading youth group. She especially loved participating in the handbell choir at the Charles City UCC. As the boys got older, Jan obtained her insurance license and worked as an insurance associate in Hampton. She loved hosting her extended family for holidays, sewing, crafting, and joining her sister and sister-in-law for quilting weekends.

As her family expanded, Jan cherished those family times even more, attending grandchildren’s activities as often as possible. She and Harvey also enjoyed their winter getaways to warmer climates and time spent on the beaches in Florida. In Iowa, they welcomed family and friends to their hilltop acreage, ShauLoo Summit, for fun, relaxation and making special memories.

As spending time with her family was so important to Jan, it is fitting she passed away after spending a wonderful weekend with them. Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Harvey; sons and their families Jason, Bethani, and Owen; Nicholas, Darlyce, Eva, and Onnalee; and Derrick, Heather, Quentin and Mahala; brother, Clelland Jr. and wife, Nadine Looney; brother-in-law, Rick Mackey; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Those greeting her in heaven include her parents, Clelland Sr. and Evelyn Looney; sister, Beverly Mackey; and her angel grandbabies.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 5 from 4-8pm at Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center in Creston, with family receiving friends from 6-8pm. Funeral services will be at Cromwell UCC on Friday, January 6 at 11:00 AM, Rev. Mary O’Riley officiating. A luncheon will be served at the church following the graveside service at Summit Cemetery.

The family requests memorials in Jan’s honor be given to the Cromwell UCC.