Jan Oberholtzer passed away on September 27, 2026, in Tucson. She was eighty-four.

Jan was born in 1942 in Los Angeles, where her parents, Ruth (Kirby) and Frank Oberholtzer, had temporarily relocated so Frank could build planes to support the U.S. war effort in World War II. When the job ended, the family returned to Ashland, Ohio. Jan had two older brothers, Jack and Kenny; she always loved being the only Californian in the family.

Jan spent her formative years in Ashland. Growing up on her family’s farm, she learned the value of responsibility and independence from a young age. She drove a tractor before her feet could reach the pedals, rode ponies, and fed the animals. She became a lifelong animal lover (except for chickens), and adored her dog, Daisy, the first of many beloved pets.

After high school, Jan married James Pifer. By twenty-three, she had three daughters under the age of three. She was a dedicated mother and a ferocious advocate for her children. When doctors suggested that her eldest daughter was developmentally delayed, Jan drove her daughter an hour and a half to Columbus to get a second opinion. She knew the doctors were wrong, and persisted in seeking care until the doctors discovered and treated the real issue: her daughter was deaf. When her middle daughter was not permitted to take shop class because she was a girl, Jan marched into the school, informed the school officials that Title IX was now the law, and insisted that her daughter be allowed to take the class. She wanted her daughters to grow up knowing they could do anything.

Jan was smart, constantly educating herself, and unafraid to challenge the status quo. She joined the League of Women Voters and advocated for the Equal Rights Amendment and Civil Rights. An avid reader, she kept up with current events and science, always voted, and shared her views with conviction. She insisted that everyone be treated fairly and had no patience for prejudice or injustice.

Jan also knew how to have fun. She filled the house with turtles, dogs, cats, rabbits, and mice, because she loved animals and believed caring for them was good for her children. She enrolled her daughters in every activity she could: 4-H, band, musicals, community events, and piano, tennis, and swimming lessons. A fierce competitor, she loved cards and games, and she won often.

She was a wonderful cook and a legendary baker. She threw memorable birthday parties and made extraordinary cakes for every birthday. Her frosted sugar cookies were works of art, and decorating them together became a family tradition. Her strawberry cream cheese pie won top honors at the Ohio State Fair.

In 1980, Jan embarked on a new adventure and moved to Tucson. She embraced the Old Pueblo’s heritage and culture and made lifelong friends, including the women of the Square Table. Two of her daughters followed her to Tucson, and the city became a new Oberholtzer family hub.

She was overjoyed when her first grandchild, Renee, was born, and she spent countless hours playing with, talking to, and cooking for her grandchildren. She took care of Michael and Nikolaus from the time they were babies, and she loved debating James. She once carried a decorated cake on her lap, on a plane to Westerville, Ohio, for Samantha’s birthday. In keeping with tradition, each grandchild’s birthday brought a spectacular cake, including a grand piano, a train, a volcano, a baseball, and a princess so lifelike the little girls hesitated to cut into it.

At seventy-five, Jan was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. She met the news with courage and acceptance, saying she had lived a long life and was satisfied. When she learned it could be managed, she took on treatment and gained nine more years with her family. The family is deeply grateful to Dr. Aung Bajaj, nurse practitioner Kathya Jimenez, and TMC Oncology for their exceptional care. Jan always knew she was in good hands.

This past summer, Jan suffered complications after surgery; her prognosis was poor, and few expected her to come home. She did, and she gave us precious time together that no one had counted on. Fittingly for a legendary baker, she was one tough cookie who fought to the end with her signature ferocity and humor.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Jack. She is survived by her daughters, Stefanie Griffith (Steve), Jennifer Zipps (Dave), and Carolynn Pifer (Vance Medders); her grandchildren, Renee Guerin (James Christensen), James Guerin, Michael Guerin, Samantha Hooten (Bryan), and Nikolaus LaFalce; her great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Grant; her brother Kenny; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Thank you to the nurses, medical assistants and staff on the Third Floor at St. Joseph's Hospital, who were exceptional, kind, and tireless; to Casa de la Luz and Visiting Angels for their compassion and care; and to the friends who brightened her final months and made her last decade so special.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 11 at her house from 4:30 to 6:30. A light dinner will be served with cake, of course.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in Jan’s memory to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, the ASPCA, or your favorite charity.