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; step-mom: Mary Gayheart; 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.
We can rejoice in the victory Janna expressed in Christ Jesus. She is made whole and is now experiencing perfect peace and love with her savior, Jesus.
Death has lost its sting; the grip of cancer has lost its hold.
For the Joy of the Lord is our Strength!
We will see you again, Janna, in eternity, all in the Lord’s timing.
Love you Janna Bananas
Your sister Linnea
Janna’s laughter is what I’ll miss the most.
She was always so optimistic and loved everyone around her. She was always ready to do fun and frequently embarrassing things regardless of what people thought.
She was such a giving person with friends, family or strangers. She loved the Lord and spread His word to many over the years. She was such a fun and wonderful sister-in-law. I will miss her very much but I know
she is the hit of the party up in heaven.
My heart is heavy my cousin Janna and Linnea and Erika. Lived on West Park Drive in Shelby Ohio Janna and I had a great conversation on the way home 2 yrs ago coming from the Shiloh ox roast. I will miss you Janna thank you for believing in me. Give all the Aunts and uncles, cousin s and our grandparents gayheart hugs. Love your cousin Chris Gayheart
So sorry to have lost a dear and loving niece, but knowing she is safe in the arms of her Saviour, JESUS CHRIST.
She was a ray of sunshine and no matter where she saw you, there was always a hug and a squeeze of your hand and “How you been honey”!❤️. She will be missed by family, friends her 2 sons and grandchildren but have left behind so many precious memories!
She is now out of pain and in the arms of our beloved “savior”, mom/dad and so many beloved family ❤️
Janna was always so much fun to be around. My thoughts and prayers to Linnea, Erika and their family. When I think of Janna I remember her with a smile. She was such a kind, caring person. She will be so missed by so many. Gone way too soon.
My deepest condolences.
Such a kind soul who’s laughter was contagious. She was funny and would try anything including my diving board and slide. She will be missed by many and touched many hearts with her great outlook. Prayers to her family and friends.
Erika and family. So sorry for the loss of your sister. You have my deepest sympathy. Hugs and prayers
Such a beautiful lady. Worked with her for years at Avita. A true friend. I’m truly going to miss her!!
I worked with Janna on several occasions. I’ve never met anyone with such a big heart as she. Janna was so good to everyone. She definitely was loved by so many. I will miss her positivity and her happy smiling face. Prayers and condolences to the family.
My deepest condolences and support to my entire family at this difficult time. My cousin Janna was fun and amazing. She always hugged me and told me she loved me with the most sincere kisses and hugs. She always danced with you and was the life of the party, she will definitely be missed dearly. What a sad time in our family.
I worked with Janna and she always was a ray of sunshine and always had a smile on her face. I always enjoyed chatting with her when I was able. May you guys find peace knowing she is resting in Heaven with Jesus
Oh My Dear Erika, Linnea & Janna’s family, I am so so sorry to hear about Janna. She had a beautiful kind giving heart, much like her mother. I loved her smile.
I know you will all miss her greatly
Love you all,
Aunt Barb.
Janna was such a bright light full of joy. She was kind to everyone and always knew how to brighten someone’s day. It was such a pleasure being able to work with her and hear her contagious laugh.
I worked with Janna at the Der Dutchman and she was always so happy and looked for the good in everyone. She was a kind and caring person and fun to work with.
My prayers of comfort and peace are for the family.
Prayers to the family. I worked with Janna- she was a kind human all the way around. I am sadden to hear this news. The world has a little less light without her in it.
Catrina
My deepest sympathy! I had the privilege of working with Janna at Avita. She absolutely was one of the most uplifting; kind hearted, loving, people I knew; She never knew a stranger, and always had this way of making your day better when you were having a bad day! She was always full of laughter; and loved to talk. Her smile and positive attitude was infectious! She absolutely made an unforgettable impact in my life as well as others! She will be terribly missed, but will always be cherished and remembered by others! Lot and lots of prayers for all of her loved ones! She was one of the best!
Our condolences go out to Erika, Linnea and Janna’s families. Janna was a beautiful, kind and loving person just like her mother. Love, hugs and prayers to all the families.
I had the pleasure of getting to know Janna while I worked at Avita. She always had a smile on her face and was full of sunshine. My condolences to her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
I will deeply miss Janna and her bright, beautiful smile. She was one of the most genuine and kind people I’ve ever known, and the sweetest friend and neighbor. I will always treasure seeing her tending her flower beds and spending time together on her back porch. She had a way of making everyone feel cared for and welcome. I find so much peace knowing she is now with her Lord and Savior, free from pain and resting in His arms.
Janna was always so happy and bubbly and I have always appreciated her joy and love that came from the bottom of her heart for others. I worked with her at Der Dutchman and have always held a special place in my heart for her. She will be deeply missed.
Scott and Andrew
I was sad to hear about your mom. She was always a pleasure to be around, always late haha. She was always available to help and often jumped in to help even when not expected. She will be missed, leaving hole in many hearts.
Scott and Andrew and family. We are so sorry about your Mom yes she was a great person and now in the arms of our Lord. We knew her for along time. May God comfort you and we want to let u know that u are always in our prayers. God Bless all of you
I knew Janna in our college years and sounds like her cheerful ‘ray of sunshine’ personality followed her throughout life. Sincere condolences go out to her friends and family. May sweet Janna rest in eternal peace
My sincere condolences. Janna was a CO worker at the Dutch with me and such a beautiful soul . Always such a pleasure to know and be around . Later she became my neighbor . I’m shocked but I know she is in the loving arms of The Lord Jesus forever .
Blessings ,
Molly Bartrum
Janna was so sweet to me and my babies over the years. She was always so welcoming and kind to us, and did her best to check in and see how we were doing.
No matter what, whenever we ran into her, she was always so bubbly and happy, I’ll never forget how her smile and hugs would light up the entire room when she came around. Her vibrant energy will never be forgotten!
Rest in peace, we will miss you!
Mark: So sorry for you loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
My sincere condolences to Janna’s family. She was certainly one of the best and God had his arms wide open awaiting her arrival. This side of Heaven there’s an empty seat at the table but the memories she left all of us with will be cherished until we meet again. Save me a spot up there Janna, I’ll know right where to find you. Sitting at the right hand of God. I met her at Avita Hospital and so loved seeing her name on the schedule that she would be working with me. Now her name is on a different schedule, it’s in the book of life Fly high my dear friend. You will be missed
Sydney and I are so sad for you, Mark!! Thinking about you and praying for you and your extended family. 🙁
Hi honey, I really miss you and am taking care of the kitty’s like you asked. My heart aches but I know I will see you again. I love you, Mark
Janna will surely be missed. She was such an outgoing and inspiring woman! Her and her sisters were like a mother to me, as my mom was a very close friend to all of them. They gave me the best Journey and Def Leppard childhood ever!!! My thoughts and prayers go out to all of her family and friends. We love and miss you Janna!
Janna was a 1983 Shelby High School classmate. She was always kind and nice. Sorry for your loss.
Linnea, I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved sister, Janna. Although I didn’t know her, I can only imagine the kind of person she was based on who you are: kind, thoughtful, compassionate, witty, always there to help someone in need, full of life and love. You are in my thoughts and heart. ❤️
Janna, was a bright light in this world, always positive, happy, smiling, and full of love. I feel so grateful to have worked alongside someone who brought warmth and kindness to everyone around them. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Janna took our girls’ class of ’84 group up a notch for music and fun. Always laughing, always dancing. I can still see her laughing and running through the SHS hallways, hanging onto Linnea’s arm. We can rejoice that she is with our Savior, Jesus, along with those loved ones who have gone before her. Linnea, I know your heart aches for your big sister, even though you know she is healed. Prayers for comfort when it hits you the hardest. Love you! Pam
Janna was one of the kindest people I knew and her smile was contagious. Infectious laugh that spread out across her face in joy. I knew your family through your mom and felt the love between her and you girls. I am saddened by your loss but happy she is enjoying everlasting life healthy and whole. My deepest sympathy
she was a ray of sunshine when she came to our work place. talked about her grand babies and her family showing her love for them. she will be greatly missed