Janet (Jan) B. Hiner, 81 years of age, of Beatrice, NE passed away peacefully at home with family by her side on March 27, 2025. She was born in Luther, IA, on June 7, 1943 to Carl and Dorothy Hurst. Jan lived much of her life near her birthplace and moved to Beatrice in 1988.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Jan, knew she would with open arms, take in anyone that needed love, emotional support, shelter, clothes, or food. Whatever they needed in their heart she would make them feel safe. She would often share when she didn’t have much to share. She “adopted” into her heart and family too many to count who needed love and support and she would refer to them as children/grandchildren though not biologically hers. Jan’s faith in Jesus and her spirituality grew with each passing year helping her family to better know Jesus. 

Jan provided direct care, worked as a program/vocational specialist for the developmentally disabled most of her career at Woodward State Hospital in Iowa, Region 4 Services in Columbus, NE, and retired from Beatrice State Developmental Center (BSDC) in 2013. After her official retirement she continued to be a dedicated guardian for individuals there needing her support, advocacy, and compassion.

After retiring from BSDC she worked at the Beatrice Community Hospital and Health Center cafeteria for 11 years before becoming a valued volunteer at the Bargain Box Thrift Store and the Community Food Pantry in Beatrice where she always greeted patrons/community with a warm and welcoming smile.

Jan loved to spend time with family, cooking down home favorites, baking delicious goodies, reading, sewing, music, and attending grandchildren/great-grandchildren’s activities and concerts. She held in her heart a sincere fondness for the many pets she had throughout the years and especially liked playing ball with her German Shepherd, Dakota. A huge animal rights advocate, Jan also looked out for neighborhood animals and volunteered at the Humane Society in Beatrice for a short time. She loved many pets she had throughout the years as part of her family as she believed if someone can’t treat a pet as such then it is better off in another home.

The most important driving force in Jan’s life was the love for her entire extended family. Those that were close to her knew her well and loved her, loved her for her generosity, spunk, determination, sense of humor, tenacity, and ability to tell it to you as she saw it in a loving way. These memories will be cherished forever.

Jan survived by her longtime friend and housemate Lynn Gruis, daughter Michele Miller (Ron) of Beatrice, NE, son Gene (Kyong) Hiner of Council Bluffs, IA, daughter Sheri Mazuka (Carlos) of Blue Springs, NE, “adopted” daughters Beth Masembe (Paul) of Dallas, TX, and Amy Guerra of Beatrice, NE. Grandchildren Eric Fricke of Bellevue, NE, Carlos Mazuka of Tucson, AZ, Alicia (Anthony) Kalik and Amanda (Mike) Mitchell of Roseville, CA, Sarah (John) Wallen and Julio Mazuka of Scaramento, CA, “adopted” granddaughters Amanda Fricke of LaVista, NE and Amy Jo (Wade) Spencer. Her great grandchildren youngest to eldest are Johnny, Cooper, Scarlett, Abigail, Wyatt, Ily, Ava, Aleksandra, Jordan, and Aaliyah. There are also several children and grandchildren she “adopted” and proclaimed as hers. She was preceded in death by her parents Carl and Dorothy Hurst.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday April 12, 2025 at Christ Community Church, 2727 Lincoln Street, Beatrice, NE 68310 with Pastor Dan Martin officiating. Cremation has taken place and there will be no viewing. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Christ Community Church Youth Ministry Mission Fund. Arrangements entrusted to Harman-Wright Mortuary and Crematory, Beatrice, NE.