Jan Ballard Bohna

Jan Ballard Bohna, 70, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, died Thursday, October 27, 2005 at her mother’s home in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Born in Jonesboro, Mrs. Bohna graduated from Kennett High School in Kennett, Missouri before enrolling in Murray State University in Kentucky where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education with a minor in music.

A former “Miss Jonesboro”, she enjoyed successful careers in both television and the world of high fashion. She was “Miss Jan” to viewers of “Romper Room”, an internationally syndicated show for pre-school children in the 1970s. In addition, she was a runway and print model for several major designers such as Adolfo, Oscar De La Renta, Geoffery Beene and Oleg Cassini. An accomplished public speaker-lecturer, she toured extensively offering career guidance lectures at high schools and taught make-up and fashion techniques. She also lectured on fashion for several major department stores as well as serving as fashion director for Saks Fifth Avenue. She and husband John Bohna own Universal Travel Service, Inc. of Pittsburgh.

She was a member of St. Paul Cathedral of Pittsburgh, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church of Jonesboro, Board of Trustees of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Women’s Press Club, Press Club of Western Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh Athletic Association, Pittsburgh Fashion Group (reserved for fashion executives), Sigma Alpha Iota and Sigma Sigma Sigma national music sorority.

Jan is survived by her husband, John A. Bohna of Pittsburgh;
2 Daughters: Gretchen Bohna Weissner of Hollywood, Florida, and
Jill Bohna Cain of Reno, Nevada;

1 Son: Craig Bohna of Pittsburgh;
Her mother: Hazel Wilkins of Jonesboro, Arkansas;
1 Sister: Suzi Bridger of Jonesboro;
1 Brother: Steve R. Ballard of Jonesboro;
3 Grandchildren: Sydney Cain and Lucas Cain of Reno, and Wayne Mollon; and
3 Nieces: Jennifer Bridger Jones, Jessica Bridger, and Emily Ballard, all of Jonesboro.

She was preceded in death by her father and stepmother: Bob and Faye Ballard of Jonesboro; and by her stepfather: Russ Wilkins of Kennett, Missouri.

Active pallbearers include: Jack Jones, Jack Harrington, Warren Matthews, Greg Theilmeyer, Scott Gairhan, and Bob Clark.

Honorary pallbearers include Jim Bridger, Jr., Peter Weissner, Curtis Cain, Lucas Cain, Wayne Mollon, Beau E. Jones, Candy Ballard, Skip Rodgers, Bob Vogel, Ed Blank, Eugene Bohna, Patty Minga, and Sally Friedman.

Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon, October 30, 2005, at 3:00 at Emerson Memorial Chapel in Jonesboro with Rev. Father Mark Wood officiating. Burial will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery in Jonesboro with Emerson Funeral Home of Jonesboro in charge of arrangements.

Visitation will be held Saturday evening, October 30, from 5:00-7:00 at Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro.

A mass will be held in Jan’s honor at 5:30 p.m. on December 3, 2005 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Jonesboro.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to the American Cancer Soceity, 1599 Clifton Rd, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329; or to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, POBox 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309.