In Loving Memory of
Jan Susan Branting Rich
1954-2026
Jan Susan Branting Rich, 71, peacefully fell asleep in death on July 13, 2026 after faithfully enduring Alzheimer’s disease, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering faith. She was born on September 12, 1954, to the late Eileen and Homer Branting.
Jan will be remembered as a gentle, soft-spoken woman whose calm presence brought comfort to everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her warm smile, contagious laugh, and caring spirit made others feel welcomed and loved. Whether through a word of encouragement, a warm embrace, or simply her quiet attentiveness, Jan had a remarkable ability to make people feel valued.
For fifty years, Jan shared a beautiful marriage with the love of her life, Harry Michael Rich. Their love only deepened through the years, especially as they faced the challenges of Jan’s Alzheimer’s disease together. Jan lovingly doted on Mike—affectionately calling him “Mikey”—and was always by his side, holding his hand, supporting his goals, celebrating his accomplishments, and tending to even the smallest details of his care. Their enduring devotion was a beautiful example of loyal, selfless love.
Jan was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and her faith was the foundation of her life. From a young age, she courageously stood firm for her beliefs. Throughout her life, she held fast to Jehovah’s promise of a righteous new world where sickness, pain, and death will be no more. That hope sustained her and brought her peace, especially during her final years. Her family and friends eagerly look forward to the day when they will welcome her back in perfect health, as Jehovah fulfills His promise to make “all things new.”
Jan possessed a deep compassion that extended to both people and animals. She had an extraordinary love for dogs, cats, and all creatures, and animals seemed naturally drawn to her gentle spirit. Those who knew her also witnessed her loyalty and compassion as she lovingly cared for her mother until the end.
Her determination was another defining quality. Even when faced with tremendous obstacles, she persevered with quiet strength and grace. She also had a wonderful sense of humor, delighting family and friends with laughter during games and gatherings. Children naturally gravitated toward her because of her joyful spirit, and babies always found a special place in her heart. She was quick to say, “I love you so much,” and her warm, heartfelt hugs made those words feel even more meaningful.
Family members fondly remember Jan’s thoughtful care in both ordinary and unexpected moments. Whether attentively caring for a sick nephew during a family vacation or offering gentle encouragement to those who were hurting, Jan consistently put the needs of others before her own. Her compassionate spirit allowed her to sense when someone needed comfort, and she responded with genuine love.
Jan is survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, Harry Michael Rich; her brother, Darryl(Laureen)Branting and her nephews, Conor Branting and Jason Branting along with many extended family members and dear friends who will cherish her memory.
Though Jan is deeply missed, those who loved her find comfort in Jehovah’s sure promise of the resurrection and eagerly await the day when they will once again walk beside her in a peaceful new world, healthy, joyful, and forever praising Jehovah together.
The family is deeply grateful for River Valley Nursing Home in Blountstown, Fl and Vitas Hospice and the many caregivers who also grew to appreciate Jan’s unique qualities and nurtured her during her final days.
A memorial service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 2627 East Cottonwood Rd. Dothan, Alabama, Saturday August 1, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. The memorial service can also be viewed via Zoom videoconferencing- meeting code is 3288100934 and passcode is 201914.
