Dates
Janice Lorraine Gottshall Whipple, 68, of San Angelo, Texas, passed away at home on August 27, 2026. She was born January 11, 1958 in San Angelo: the daughter of the late Dave Gottshall and Gerry Gottshall. She graduated from San Angelo Lakeview High School in1976, and then Angelo State University with Bachelor and Masters degrees in teaching and English.
She is survived by her daughter, Laci Whipple of Boise, Idaho, brother, David Gottshall of Jeffersonville, Vermont, and ex-husband David Whipple, of San Angelo. She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert David Gottshall, Sr, and Geraldine Gottshall.
Janice was Associate Professor of College Preparatory Studies at Howard College in San Angelo for 35 years. She was elected Professor Emeritus by her peers in 2025. She was beloved by her students and deeply appreciated by her colleagues for professionalism, approachable demeanor, and her caring approach to teaching.
Her largest delight was time with family and friends. She enjoyed traveling regularly to see Laci in Idaho, her brother’s family in Vermont where she enjoyed her time with her brother’s family, Yvette, Clarissa, and Kemper. She made travel an integral part of Laci’s schooling taking her, often by train, to many locations in the USA, as well as traveling to Hawaii, Peru, and Paris. She loved her time with her Aunt and Uncle, Dottie and Jerry Gottshall of Nacogdoches and her nephew, Jeremy, and niece, Jerilyn. Janice thoroughly enjoyed antiquing and seldom passed a garage sale without checking out their offerings. Janice was a loving friend and had cherished life-long friendships with Vicki Allen and Gwen Parsons, of San Angelo. Janice will be missed by the members of her church, Christian Church of San Angelo. She was a committed Christian and a testament to generosity, encouragement, and loving kindness. Her strength and perseverance through her health struggles is an example of optimism and positive spirit. Janice loved to laugh. Her smile and uplifting nature is going to be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2-4 PM on Friday, September 4th, come and go, at Christian Church of San Angelo where family and friends will gather to celebrate her life and share stories that echo her warmth and character. In Janice’s honor, we invite everyone to carry forward her spirit of kindness and optimism, just as she did every day.