Janis (Morris) Schade
Manchester, Missouri
Janis (Morris) Schade, 63, passed peacefully from this life on Friday, December 1 at home with her family by her side. Born July 28, 1960, in Alton, she was the daughter of Donald Laverne and Emma Jean (Rushing) Morris. She married her long-term partner, Howard Leggett, Jr. in February 2021 in St. Louis, MO.
A 1978 graduate of East Alton-Wood River Community High School, she continued to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering and a Masters in International Business. A U.S. Army veteran, she was previously employed with Olin Corporation for over 20 years. For the past 25 years, she has served as a Contract Manager with Washington University. In addition, she was real estate advisor at Grant Hickman Real Estate Advisors, St. Louis.
In addition to her husband and mother who survive, those who remain to cherish her memory include her three sons and their spouses: Ian Leggett (Bonne Terre, MO); Aaron (Stephanie) Leggett, St. Louis, MO; and Lucas (Sharadon) Leggett, St. Louis, MO; seven grandchildren whom she cherished; two sisters, Denise (Dennis) Ryan, Fosterburg, IL, and Joni (Kevin) Spurlock, Bethalto, IL, and one brother, Mike (Kristi) Morris of Bunker Hill, IL; two nieces, Heather and Andrea Spurlock both of Chicago, IL; two nephews, Joshua Morris of East Alton, IL, and Jeremy (Abby) Morris, Lake St. Louis, MO; and one great niece; mother-in-law, Phyllis Leggett, Horton, MI; two brothers-in-law, Gregory (Dena) Leggett, Tennessee and Louis (Shelly) Leggett, Chicago, and one sister-in-law, Rochelle Goetz, Chicago.
She was preceded in death by her father and her father-in-law, Howard D. Leggett, maternal grandparents, Ida and James Rushing, and paternal grandparents, Finis and Lois Morris.
Jan had many different loves in her life but family, hunting, fishing, and playing Scrabble were some of her favorite activities. She was a tough woman with the biggest heart that always put everyone around her first. Her grandkids were the center of her life and making them feel special and cared for was one of her true joys. She was bi-lingual, always organized, and knew how to through a great party. She will be missed and remembered by all.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation rites were accorded, and no services will be held. Memorials are suggested to a military charitable organization of your choice.
There will be a celebration of life in the summer of 2024. Details to follow.
To share a memory of Janis or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.