Janice K Matsel

Janice K. Matsel, age 80, of Dennison, passed away on January 15, 2026, at Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital at Dover, following a period of declining health.

She was born on March 18, 1945, in Cambridge, a daughter of Charles David “Chic” Harding and Ruby Elnora (Jeffery) Harding, both of whom preceded her in death.

Janice was a graduate of Lakeland High School. She worked for more than 20 years at the former Morning View Nursing Home, later selling Avon part-time. She ultimately worked for Flex Tech and Rubbermaid until her retirement. In addition, she worked weekends at her parents’ grocery store—all while raising three children, a testament to her strong work ethic and dedication to family.

Janice later met her husband, Cecil Wayne Matsel, at the Midvale VFW, and they were married on August 3, 1997.

She had many interests and hobbies. Janice loved working word search books, enjoyed muscle cars, and was an avid NASCAR fan. She and her husband raced go-carts at Charlotte Motor Speedway every May, an experience she cherished. She also loved crocheting and made countless afghans for family members, newborn babies at Union Hospital, and friends. Janice was meticulous with bookkeeping, known for being careful with money, and lived a frugal, practical life.

She was the proud mother of Woodrow “Woody” Hoopingarner II, Tina Joy (companion, George Yinger) Smitley, and a daughter, Tammy Woods, who preceded her in death.

She is also survived by her step-children: Wayne (Shannon) Matsel, Rochelle Simon, Caleb Matsel, Myrel “Rusty” Russell Jr., Larry (Janice) Steiner and David (Mindy) Hoopingarner. Janice leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who will miss her dearly.

She is survived by her sister, Carlotta Daughtery.

In addition to her parents and daughter, she was preceded in death by her siblings Rita Tuchek, James Harding, and Charles Harding II, as well as her husband Myrel Russell Sr.

Visitation will be held at Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., with a funeral service at 11:00 a.m.

Private burial will follow at Evergreen Burial Park in New Philadelphia.