Janice Myrlee Ely

Janice Myrlee Ely, 77, of Thurmont, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 29, 2025 in Frederick, Maryland.

Born on July 2, 1948, in Frederick, she was the daughter of the late Kenneth Lee and Edna Marie Clem. She married Donald M. Ely in April of 2001 in Frederick.

Jan graduated from Frederick High School in the Class of 1966. She also earned an associate’s degree from Frederick Community College.

She retired after a long career working for the Frederick County Landfill, contributing notably to the county’s recycling program.

Jan actively participated in the Thurmont Lions Club, serving on the Board of Directors for several years. She also volunteered for the Thurmont Food Bank. She especially loved spending time with family and friends whether it was her cousin’s lunches, hanging out with her sister, or preparing Sunday dinners for her family. Her sense of humor and vibrant personality had a positive way of impacting those around her and will truly be missed.

She was preceded in death by her sons, Donald Ely, Jr. and Patrick Croghan.

Her life will forever be cherished in the lives of her sister, Cynthia Long; and her children: Brent Croghan and wife, Jenny, Ann Khoury and husband, Jason, John Croghan and wife, Kristen, David Croghan, and Dennis Ely and wife, Karrisa. She was also loved and adored by her grandchildren: Lillian and Lindsey Croghan, Ben and Emma Bowman, Quinn and Jordan Khoury, Sean and Kate Croghan, Lyla and Paisley Ely, Parker Salisbury, and Jack Woods.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025 at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike in Frederick. A Reception to follow, at the Mt. Pleasant Ruritan, 8101 Crum Road, Walkersville, MD.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Frederick Health Hospice. Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.