Janice Scharfenberg

Janice Fouts Scharfenberg, 75, of Midland, Texas, was called to her eternal home on June 29, 2023, in Odessa, Texas after months of fighting for her life. She loved God and other people, and her unwavering faith was a beautiful example to everyone around her.  She was sincere, kind, welcoming, hilariously funny, and always happy to enlarge her circle to include more.  A strong woman of faith, Janice was called to her Heavenly home surrounded by her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Janice was born in Orlando, Florida to Ed Hawthorn and Ruth Eaton on August 19, 1947. She spent most of her younger years growing up in Clovis, New Mexico. She married David Fouts on August 9, 1964, in Melrose, New Mexico. They shared many happy years together in Melrose and Jal raising their four children Cindy, Chad, Brad, and Kristi. Their family values centered around God, family, sports, and country music. As a phenomenal coach’s wife, her kids were often seen on the sideline and in the bleachers, well before the age of participation, and always felt they were part of the team. Once her children were in school, Janice returned to school herself, graduating with a master’s degree in education from Eastern New Mexico University. Janice worked as an elementary teacher for twenty-five years in Jal, New Mexico impacting generations of 2nd grade students. Janice and David were married until his death in 1998.

Janice and Rick Scharfenberg were blessed enough to find each other and love for a second time later in life.  They married on February 8, 2003, and a year later, Janice retired and moved to Midland, Texas. They enjoyed traveling, attending concerts, and cheering for their beloved Longhorns at University of Texas athletic events over the course of their marriage. One of their favorite trips was an annual getaway for their anniversary in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Spending time with their own children and grandchildren was the highlight of Janice’s life.  She loved attending all of their grandkids’ functions, activities and athletics.  Even in the latest and darkest days, Janice’s eyes would light up when one of her grandchildren entered the room and said “Hi, my Gram!” The successes and achievements of her favorite young people were so very important to her, and she sang their praises to anyone who would listen. Janice also loved spending valuable time with her mother, or “Meem.” She cherished this relationship and every minute spent together.  Every holiday and even more “self-created events” were meant for celebration in Janice’s opinion; any excuse to celebrate and gather with friends and family was something she always anticipated.

Janice’s family has been blessed for many years with the very best role model, nurturer, advisor, mentor, motivator, cook, teacher, and confidant.  She was a devoted wife and mother, a faithful daughter and sister, a beloved niece, aunt and cousin, a model teacher, and the absolute most amazing Gram.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her late husband, David Fouts, and her son, Brad Fouts.

She is survived by her loving husband, Rick Scharfenberg, their combined children: Cindy Fouts of Midland, Texas, Kristi Langston (Abe) of Midland, Texas, Chad Fouts (Tamara) of Rankin, Texas, Chloe Fouts McPherson of Hobbs, New Mexico, Scott Scharfenberg (Theresa) of McKinney, Texas, Robert Scharfenberg (Teressa) of Roanoke, Texas, Randy Scharfenberg of Cheboygan, Michigan, and bonus daughter Dina Madera of Midland, Texas.

Other survivors include Janice’s stepmother, Beverly Hawthorn of Smithville; sisters Eileen Massey (Dicky) of Portales, New Mexico and Sheree Brown of Las Cruces, New Mexico;

brother-in-law Ronny Fouts (Glenna) and family of Melrose, New Mexico; stepsisters Marilyn Swope of Bastrop, Texas, Kyla Nelson of Canyon, Texas, and Daisy Eaton of Hurst, Texas; brother Clay Hawthorn of Los Lunas, New Mexico; stepbrothers Mike Jones of Canyon, Texas, and Bill “Champ” Eaton of Loving, New Mexico.

Grandchildren: Dusty Langston, Lori Langston Denton (Davis), Chelle Langston McFetridge (Jake), Emilie Fouts, Paige Fouts, Calen Fouts (Katy), Harrison Fouts, Hadley Fouts, Colton Madera, Lane Madera, Payton Scharfenberg, Quentin Scharfenberg, Hannah Scharfenberg, Kaleb Scharfenberg, Ryan Scharfenberg and Malin Scharfenberg.

Great Grandchildren: Carter Denton, Kinsley Denton, and Fisher McFetridge.

Janice also leaves behind a host of lifetime friends and a multitude of extended family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM MST on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Calvary Baptist Church in Jal, New Mexico with Reverend Harry Chronis officiating.  Burial will follow at the Jal Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the direction of Sunset Memorial Garden in Odessa, Texas.

Pallbearers: Dusty Langston, Colton Madera, Lane Madera, Calen Fouts, Harrison Fouts, Jake McFetridge, Davis Denton, Ryan Scharfenberg, Quentin Scharfenberg, and Kaleb Scharfenberg (Honorary).

Janice Fouts Scharfenberg’s legacy will live on forever in her family’s and friends’ memories and all the lives she’s touched along the way.