Janna Louise (Gayheart) Norris, age 61, of Bellville, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026, at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer.
Janna was born on December 5, 1964, in Willard, Ohio, to the late Roger F. Gayheart and Linda June (Pitzen) Gayheart. A 1983 graduate of Shelby High School, Janna dedicated 40 years to a career in healthcare, serving in various roles and locations throughout her life. Most recently, she was employed with Avita Health System, where her compassion and commitment to helping was evident. She also worked at Der Dutchman, where she found joy in caring for people in a different way—through hospitality, kindness, and genuine connection.
Janna was a true people person who never met a stranger. She loved conversations with anyone she encountered and had a way of making others feel seen and valued. Adventurous by nature, she often sought out new events/challenges and was always ready for a last-minute adventure. She was also a devoted lover of animals. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she valued time spent reading scripture and drawing close to God.
Family meant everything to Janna, and her greatest joy in life was being “Mom” and later “Mawmaw.” She adored her grandchildren, whether she was cheering them on at baseball games – often sneaking into the dugout to offer encouragement and love – or simply being in their presence.
Janna is survived by her sons: Scott (Melody) Norris of Bellville and Andrew (Nicole) Norris of Mansfield; grandchildren: Cassian Norris and Abel Norris; sisters: Linnea (Jeff) Gold of Newark and Erika (Steve) Risser of Lexington; fiancé: Mark Ballou of Bellville; nieces: Lauren Risser, Katie Gold, and Emily Gold; nephew: Liam Risser; and many other relatives and friends.
Family and friends are welcome on Monday, January 12, 2026 from 10 AM – 12 Noon at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will immediately follow at 12 Noon. Pastor Justin Esterline will officiate. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, Plymouth. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Richland County, 3025 Park Ave. W, Ontario, OH 44906 (adoptourstrays.com/support-us/).
Condolences may be left on the funeral home’s website at PenwellFuneralHome.com or on its Facebook page.
Funeral Home: Penwell Funeral Home
Website: PenwellFuneralHome.com