Janis “Jan” Maxine Peterson Ploth , 71, of Charleston, South Carolina, wife of David W. Ploth , M .D., entered into eternal rest Wednesday, April 22, 2015. A private service will be held at a later date. Jan was born December 30, 1943 in Dunlap, Iowa, daughter of Clifford F. Peterson and F. Vivian Talcott Peterson. Growing up with ten brothers and sisters on a working farm required strength and a sense of humor, both of which she exhibited daily throughout her life. She left the farm life and early education in Dunlap to obtain a degree in dental hygiene from the University of Iowa, and to marry David Ploth in Iowa City, IA in 1964. Jan worked as a dental hygienist supporting her husband, David, through medical school and training in Iowa City, Chicago and Munich, Germany. Jan and David settled in Birmingham, AL to raise their three young daughters, and Jan became completely engaged in school and community activities. Jan always loved treasures and in Birmingham she started an antique business which allowed her to collect and sell antiques. She used her favorite pieces to decorate several subsequent homes. After 13 years in Birmingham, they moved to Charleston, SC in 1987. With an empty nest, she pursued her own education by earning her own B.S. Degree from the College of Charleston and Master’s Degree from the Citadel, both with high honors. After working as a clinical counselor for several years, she retired to enjoy her favorite activities, reading, gardening, birdwatching (including butterflies), volunteering at Mepkin Abbey, and visiting grandchildren. Travel, club meetings, friends, and Sister Reunions remain sources of many good stories. Jan was an active member of Bethel United Methodist Church. Long known for her positive outlook on life, her sense of humor, and finding the best in everyone she met, she leaves us smiling more and appreciating everything in life. In addition to her husband, David, of Charleston, SC, she is survived by her three daughters, Debra P. Wood and her husband David of Atlanta, GA; Suzanne P. Pruett and her husband John of Asheville, NC; and Laura P. Lam and her husband Marco of Lake Junaluska, NC; as well as six grandchildren, Matthew, Sophie, Molly, Katie, Anneke, and Alexander; and nine brothers and sisters. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: Friends of Cypress Gardens (Butterfly House-in Memory of Janis Ploth ), 3030 Cypress Gardens Rd, Moncks Corner, SC 29461-6447.
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