Jana was born July 21, 1959, to Nick and Carlene (Freeman) Feller. She died January 1, 2023, at her home in Philip, South Dakota.
Jana was a selfless person and always put herself behind others, never wanting to cause a fuss. She was no nonsense and right to the point. Despite being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when she was 18, Jana accomplished much in her life including:
- Grew up in Wall, South Dakota as a proud Eagle
-Graduate of Black Hills State University
-Played a season of college basketball there before Diabetes
-Rancher
-Teacher
-EMT
-911 Operator
-Coach
-Mother and Grandmother
In the spring of 2022 Jana had her 100th win coaching varsity boys’ basketball in Midland and Philip, South Dakota. It was what she loved doing, and she did it well, being named as the Conference Coach of the Year in 2022. She loved her players and hopefully they admired her for it. She had high hopes for this season and even encouraged her family to reserve rooms in Aberdeen, just in case they made it to State. She’d be happy if her boys continued on and had a great year.
Jana underwent a successful kidney transplant in 2011. At that same time, her brother Rob lost one. Since the kidney remained in the family, they called it “even”. She went on to enjoy life for more than a decade.
Jana was united in marriage to Scott Jones on February 13, 1982 in Wall.
Jana’s most proud accomplishment was her son Matthew, Bri, and their three girls. She greatly enjoyed the wide-open prairie, cattle, horses, and her dog, Cash. She should have named him Broke.
All in all, Jana had a good life - just don’t make a fuss over her.
Survivors include son Matthew (Brianna) Jones of Midland; three granddaughters: Jordyn Elizabeth Jones, Jacey Leigh Jones, and Joey Faye Jones all of Midland; two brothers: Nicholas J. (Robin) Feller of Engelwood, Colorado and Rob (Carey) Feller of Sioux Falls; one sister Marli King of Harrisburg, South Dakota; step-mother Sandra Feller of Sioux Falls; and a host of other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her grandparents Nick, Sr. and Elsie Feller; and her grandmother Margaret Barton.
A memorial visitation will be held 2 - 4 p.m. with a prayer service at 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 8, 2023, at the Philip High School Fine Arts Building in Philip.
Memorials may be directed to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation or Kidney Transplant Organization. Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 202, Midland, SD 57552.
Guest Book
Our sincere sympathy to Jana's family and friends. It was a shock for you all, no doubt. She was a worker, and I appreciated getting to know her a bit while we substituted at PHS together. She was determined to make things work for herself, and did whatever she needed to do to make it happen. I appreciated that determination. We will be thinking of you all in these coming days.
~ Jason and Vonda Hamill
Milesville (1/5/2023)
So sad to hear of Jana's passing. Prayers for peace and comfort during this very difficult time.
~ Joie Strandell Willuweit
Estes Park, Colorado (1/4/2023)
Thoughts and prayers to the family. Wonderful neighbors in Interior. Nick was a tremendous influence on many young people in Interior and Wall. His positive traits carried on. Thanks
~ Tim & Peggy Lester
Austin, TX (1/7/2023)
I am so very sorry for your loss. Matthew, you Mom will be remembered by so many for her love and skills in Basketball. I am praying God will hold you and your family close while you adjust to this very hard time of life without her. Thinking of you all.
~ Julie McLaughlin
Midland (1/3/2023)
Matt and family, we send our sincere sympathy in the loss of your mother. She sure loved coaching basketball. She will be missed. 🙏🙏
~ Jolene & Don Haynes
Philip SD (1/4/2023)
We are so sorry to hear of your moms passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Amber West
Hereford, SD (1/4/2023)
I am so sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you I only knew her through basketball she was my grandson's coach
~ Jan Fillingim
Spearfish (1/7/2023)
To Matthew and family. So very sorry for your loss. May you all be comforted by the wonderful memories. Prayers for you all.
~ Lorraine & Will Freeman
Nebraska (1/5/2023)
From a fellow Wall Eagle and friend, I send my thoughts and prayers to all of Jana's family. May your memories comfort you at this difficult time.
~ Connie Lakner Geigle
Rapid City, SD (1/6/2023)
I am so so sorry for your loss. Jana was such a great gal! She sure will be missed by all. Condolences to her family.
~ Ellie (Brown) Bettelyoun
MARTIN (1/4/2023)
We are saddened to hear of Jana’s passing. We send our condolences & prayers.
~ Kathy & Ted Thompson
Whitewood, SD (1/4/2023)
Our Deepest sympathy Matthew and family. Those little gals of yours were the light of your moms life. Be sure and share the good times with them as they grow!
~ Jack & LaVona
Kirkpatrick (1/8/2023)
I am saddened to learn of Jana’s passing. I enjoyed working with her many years in Midland. My sympathy to Mathew and all family. She will be missed.
~ Marcia Jackson
Spearfish, SD (1/4/2023)
We are thinking of you folks during this difficult time. She was quite a lady, we enjoyed watching her coach basketball players. Hold on to all the memories.
~ Les & Joann Pearson
Philip,SD (1/5/2023)
My condolences go out to you Matthew and Jana’s entire family. Thank you Jana for sharing your love of basketball with so many of us in The Midland and Philip area, so many kids were better players because of you!
~ Lori Yunker (Petoske)
Colorado (1/6/2023)
I absolutely loved talking to Jana before my basketball games and her basketball games. She always had something positive to say about our team and always gave me advice when I asked for it. I’m gonna miss talking to her at school every day. My prayers go out to her family.
~ Josie Jones
Midland (1/5/2023)
Were so saddened to hear of Jana's death. She was a great gal and will be missed in so many ways. She was greatly admired by her basketball people and will be so missed. Our Sincere Condolences.
~ Shirley Dennis
Philip (1/4/2023)
Our thoughts and prayers to you all during this time of your loss. May your memories be of much comfort.
~ Hal and Tammy Jewett
Belle Fourche, SD (1/5/2023)
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to the families.
~ Tina Carstensen
Tampa, FL (1/4/2023)
Matthew and family, My heart hurts for you all. Your mom was such an amazing person. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. -Kathy
~ Kathy Larson LaDue
Anamosa, Iowa (1/3/2023)
So very sorry to hear of Jana's passing. Your family is all in my thoughts and prayers. Gods strength to you in the days ahead.
~ Sue Peters
Wall (1/4/2023)
Sending sympathy to all of Jana's family. I haven't seen her for a long time but remembering her from the time I babysat the Feller kids in Interior when I was one of her dad's students at IHS. She was so sweet. RIP Jana
~ Ron & Marilyn (Hilton) Gartner
Interior SD (1/4/2023)
So very sad to hear this news. Thoughts and Prayers to Jana’s Family
~ Kathleen Murdock
Kadoka SD (1/4/2023)
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Jana's passing. I had the privilege of getting to know her and working with her this past year at BTP. I really enjoyed her company and our conversations. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and community.
~ Kaci Harvey
Interior, SD (1/10/2023)