September 2, 1937 – May 31, 2026
Janis Williams Schnose, 88, of Hot Springs, S.D., went home to be with her Lord and Savior on May 31, 2026. Her unwavering faith and quiet grace were a beacon of light to all who knew her.
Born on September 2, 1937, Janis was the beloved daughter of Leon and Madge Williams. She attended school in the Buffalo Gap area and graduated from Buffalo Gap High School in the class of 1955. After attending a business school in Nebraska, Jan worked as a typist in Rapid City for two years. She married the love of her life, Paul Schnose, a marriage that lasted 63 years. They were married on December 8, 1957, at Zion Lutheran Church in Rapid City and together they built a life centered around faith, family and their beloved ranch.
Janis lived a life that reflected the fruits of the Spirit. As a devoted member of Bethesda Lutheran Church, she spent countless hours growing in faith in Bible study, singing in the choir and serving her church community by volunteering in the church office. She found great joy in God’s creation and was an avid homemaker who loved sewing and knitting. Janis also loved the outdoors, frequently hiking and walking on the family ranch. Known for her warm hospitality, no one ever entered her house without seeing her warm smile that could light up a room.
She was a true example of Proverbs 31:31: “Honor her for all that her hands have done and let her works bring her praise”. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of prayer, resilience and love for her family.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul Schnose; parents, Leon and Madge Williams and three older sisters, Ole Bondurant; Ila White and Frankie Haskell.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her surviving family including her children, Teresa Wolter and her husband Bob; Paulette Haverkamp and her husband, Jim and Steve Schnose and his wife, Melanie. She also leaves behind her seven cherished grandchildren, six great grandchildren and a large circle of extended family and dear friends.
A celebration of Janis’ life was held Monday, June 8, 2026, at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Hot Springs. Committal service was at Buffalo Gap Cemetery.