Janice Tusinger

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Janice Elda Aiken Tusinger, a beloved lifelong member of the Joplin community, passed away on December 20, 2023, in Joplin, at the age of 86, after a short illness. She was born on January 9, 1937, in Joplin, to her parents, the late Charles "Sam" Aiken and Elda Block Aiken. 

Janice was preceded in death by her brother Charles O. "Chuck" Aiken, sister Mary Aiken Arnold, and half-sisters Jyme Jean Reyes and Jacque Ziehm. She cherished her childhood on South Pearl in Joplin, where she playfully engaged in mischief with her brother and sister. Janice attended Joplin schools and Joplin Junior College.

Janice is survived by her daughter, Debra Tusinger of Disney, OK, and son Steve Tusinger and wife Kristie of Joplin. She was a loving grandmother to Zach Tusinger and wife Hailey of St. Louis, and Abby and husband Matt Taylor of Nashville. Janice delighted in her role as great-grandmother to Benton, Hazel, Elsie, and Juniper. Additionally, she is survived by many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. She married Jack Tusinger in 1953 and, in 1991 married Walter "Rick" Graham. Rick passed away in 2012.

Elected five times as the Jasper County Public Administrator, she served as guardian for many individuals in need. She was also a Realtor for Morton Company Realtors in Joplin, served as a Nursing Home Administrator, and co-owned Mary Lee’s Cafe with her sister Mary for over 25 years.

She served as President of the PTA while raising her children, as well as Brownie and Girl Scout Leader and Den Mother. Janice was an active member of various organizations: Joplin High School Class of 1954 Alumni group, the Joplin Board of Realtors, Ozark Mental Health Board, Scott Greening Center Board, Joplin Federated Republican Women’s Club, and the Missouri Association of Public Administrators Board of Directors. She was also a member of the Joplin Historical Society and a member of the Langston Hughes Bridge Club. Her interests included history, reading, traveling, politics, and Tai Chi. She was known for her beautiful garden and koi pond. Many weekends were spent with family and dear friends at Table Rock Lake.

Janice’s warmth, kindness, wit, and laughter endeared her to many. A Lutheran by faith, she was always ready to help family and friends in need. Special thanks go to Janice’s friend and housemate, Kay Harlin, for providing companionship during her final years. Janice will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.