Janice Ruth Ahlem, born Oct. 21, 1927 in Manhattan, NY, died July 4, 2021, in Turlock, CA.

Janice grew up in Turlock and married her childhood friend Wallace ‘Wally’ Cross. Janice and Wally settled in Fremont, CA. After raising her four children, Janice became an elementary school teacher and taught for 23 years in Fremont. 

After her retirement from teaching, Janice enjoyed camping, traveling, quilting, going to quilt shows, volunteering in her community library, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She became an accomplished quilter and shared numerous quilts with family and friends, and donated baby quilts to new mothers in the Turlock community. 

Janice was known for her positive attitude, her gentle kindness to others, and her fun loving spirit. She sometimes reminded her children, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” She was predeceased by her mother, Judith Ahlem Nilson and her cousins, Miriam Ahlem Rooks, Mildred Ahlem, Lloyd Ahlem, and Bill Ahlem. She is survived by her children, Scott, Doug, Jeanne, and Nancy, nine grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

An urn placement will be held privately at Turlock Memorial Park, 575 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock.