Jeanetta Mae Vance, 93, of Bellville, passed away at Victorian Village Nursing Center in Columbus on September 2, 2026. A woman with a nurturing heart and a seemingly endless capacity for caring, Jeanetta spent her life tending to the people, animals, plants, and countless other living things that found their way into her care. Whether she was nurturing a garden, preparing a meal, spoiling a grandchild, or feeding a hungry stray animal, Jeanetta had a gift for making the world around her feel cared for.
Jeanetta was born May 8, 1933, in Clearfield, Kentucky, to Thomas and Gracie (Hall) Rose.
Her own love story began when James Bert Vance, Jr. traveled to Kentucky with a cousin of Jeanetta’s who worked with him at Westinghouse. Upon meeting Jeanetta, Jim was immediately drawn to her. The two continued their courtship until Jeanetta turned 18, and they were married on July 14, 1951, in Indiana. Together, they shared a lifetime of memories and family. Jim preceded her in death on April 4, 2024.
A devoted member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses Mansfield South Congregation, Jeanetta’s faith was an important part of her life.
Jeanetta was a natural nurturer in every sense of the word. She loved caring for her garden, spending time weeding and tending to her plants. She enjoyed baking and cooking for those she loved and was also a talented artist who painted portraits and landscapes. She won many awards and ribbons for her artwork at the Bellville Street Fair. Among her greatest joys, however, was spoiling her grandchildren.
Her caring heart extended well beyond her family. Jeanetta was known for feeding stray cats and other animals that found their way to her, including possums and raccoons. If something was hungry or needed care, Jeanetta was there to help. She lovingly raised her five children and helped care for many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and any other children her family happened to bring home.
Jeanetta also possessed a determined spirit and, at the age of 40, earned her driver’s license.
She is survived by her children, Julie (Michael) Flaherty of Bellville, Janie (Turk) Britton of Bellville, Joseph (Deb) Vance of Bellville, and Jennifer (Brett) Spayde of Bellville; daughter-in-law, Penny Vance of Bellville; her beloved grandchildren, Randall Schwan, Kimberly Queen, Bethany Hanners, Rose Flaherty, Cassie Adams, J.R. Vance, Nathan Harry, Joshua Vance, Brandy Vance, Chelsea Conover, and Danielle Cole. She is also survived by 19 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, with two more great-great-grandchildren expected in the near future.
In addition, Jeanetta is survived by her brother, Thomas Rose of Ypsilanti, Michigan, and her sister, Carol Burns of Dexter, Michigan, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
In addition to her beloved husband, Jeanetta was preceded in death by her son, James Michael Vance, in 2013; her brothers, Hubert Rose and Jack Rose; and her sister-in-law, Nancy Rose.
Friends may call on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. until 12 noon at the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home, where the funeral service will immediately follow at 12 noon. Burial will follow in Bellville Cemetery.
The Vance family extends a special thanks to Brittany, Jeanetta’s aid from Northeast -aid Professional Caregivers for her compassion and expert care.
Memorial contributions in honor of Jeanetta may be made to the Bellville-Jefferson Township Fire Department.
The Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Vance family and encourages friends and family to share a message of sympathy or remembrance at SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
Funeral Home: Bellville Snyder Funeral Home
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com