Janice P. Orendorf

Mohawk - Janice Orendorf, 81, of Mohawk, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.
Jan was born on October 24, 1942, in Ilion, a daughter of the late Waldo and Ada Phelps. She was a graduate of Ilion High School where she enjoyed playing sports. Jan married Gary Orendorf of Mohawk on May 23, 1970 and together they built a beautiful home filled with love and raised their family just a few minutes outside of town.
Jan worked for many local businesses over the years, accepting new challenges whenever life offered. She truly enjoyed being with her co-workers and customers, many of whom will remember her from the Martin Reel Co, The Mohawk Village Market, and most recently the Town of German Flatts Offices where she finally decided she could retire and enjoy some quiet time.
Jan was a lifelong member of the Ilion First Presbyterian Church where she served in several roles, including Deacon for many years. She loved animals, especially her dalmatians, and rescued countless dogs, cats and rabbits, and even a few birds. She was happiest when surrounded by her family. Over the years, they all enjoyed so many hobbies: building and driving antique and classic vehicles, attending her sons' and grandchildren's sporting events, recitals, plays and stock car races, supporting local ice hockey, especially the Utica University men's and women's teams, woodworking, snowmobiling, boating, camping, yardwork..., anything to keep busy and be together. If you were friends with her boys, you just called her Mom, Mom-O, or Ma, and she thought the world of you. Mom loved family dinners for any reason at all. Cooking for 5 or 6 made her smile, but if it was 10 or 12 or more, and quite often it was more, she was beaming. Everyone was welcome at the house, no matter the time of day, and every visit was too short. There was always a spare room open, unless some, or all, of the grandchildren were staying over again, then you were more than welcome to the couch.
Jan is survived by her husband Gary and their two sons and daughters-in-law, Mike and Lynne Orendorf and Shaun and Heather Orendorf; grandchildren, Sarah Smithson, Claire Orendorf, Mason Geno, Dane Geno, Zoey Orendorf, and Joslyn Orendorf, and great-granddaughter, Rosie Jane Smithson, as well as her sister, Sue Hartman, her brothers and sisters-in-law, many very special nieces and nephews, and all of her dear friends and extended family members, including her "third son" Butch Benedict and Jennifer. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, Spike and Cappy Phelps, and brother-in-law Leo Hartman.
Friends and family may call at Whiter Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St. in Ilion this Sunday, December 10th, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with a memorial service following.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out and offered support in so many different ways, especially our aunts and uncles, our country road family, the Spattos and the Wollabers. Please consider memorial donations to the First Presbyterian Church of Ilion or the Herkimer County Humane Society.
Mom - You will forever be the source of our strength. You taught us it is sometimes necessary to be hard and stand tall, but it is always right to be soft and giving. You showed us hands calloused by hard work can still have the gentlest touch. We will never stop working to make you proud. Love you always.
To leave condolences for Jan's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com