Janice Carter Fruge

Born March 26, 1950 in Pittsburgh. PA. Died November 14, 2019 at her home in Denham Springs, LA surrounded by her family at the age of 69. Married to Russell Fruge April 5, 1980. She is survived by her husband; their son, Troy E. Holden married to Amanda Knight Holden, grandsons, Tristan James Holden age 13 and Ty Louis Holden age 10; her brother Steve Carter and wife Jane Carter. She graduated from Broadmoor High School in Baton Rouge, LA class of. 1968 and Southeastern Louisiana University class of 1973. Janice began her professional career in a teaching position in St. Mary Parish. She was later recruited to work at the Louisiana Department of Education and successfully worked in conjunction with parent groups, school systems and other state agencies on behalf of students with physical, mental and/or emotional challenges until her retirement in 2015. Some of the programs she championed during her work at the DOE were GUMBO (Games Uniting Mind and Body), APE (Adapted Physical Education), expanding Medicaid for children in schools, access to School Nurses and a coordinated multi-agency system of mental health for students in need. She truly was an advocate and pioneer for Louisiana’s children who needed it most. Memorial service and reception on Saturday 11/23/19 at 11:00am. Greenoaks Funeral Home & Cemetery at the reception center, 9595 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70815. Memorial service starts at 11:00 immediately followed by the graveside ceremony then back to the reception center. The reception ends at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the program that she founded, Louisiana GUMBO Inc., at 2840 Military Highway, Pineville, LA 71360 or online at Louisiana Gumbo, Inc. Arrangements with Church Funeral Services, Walker