JANICE ROTHBAUER FLATER

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In Loving Memory of Janice Rothbauer Flater

Janice Rothbauer Flater, 83, of Bonifay, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on November 12, 2026 surrounded by the love and presence of her family.

Jan was born in McKeesport, PA on August 25, 1943 and grew up in Lake Wales, FL. She attended the University of South Florida where she met her future husband, Philip (Phil) John Flater III. After getting married, they moved to northwest Florida to start a family and their teaching careers. Together with her late husband, Phil, she built a home and raised their family on a Bonifay farm, creating a place centered on the people she loved and the faith that anchored her life.

A lifelong educator, Jan spent decades teaching and inspiring young children at Bonifay Elementary School, where special needs children held a deeply cherished place in her heart. Her caring nature and gentle spirit left a lasting mark on generations of students and families throughout the community.

Jan devoted her life entirely to what mattered most to her: her Christian faith and her family. Jan was known for her extraordinary kindness, caring, joy, and warmth; she always put others first. She was deeply grounded in her devotion to the Lord, living out her faith every day through simple acts of love and grace. She was a long-standing and active member of Bonifay First United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Philip John Flater III; her youngest daughter, Erin Nicole Flater; and her brother, Ronald Rothbauer.

She is survived by her two daughters, Christina Lee (Jeff) Williamson of Vernon, TX and Candice Lynn Flater (James Munn) of Bonifay, FL; one son, Philip John (Jill) Flater IV of Niceville, FL; five grandchildren, Jacob Williamson and Shawn Williamson of Vernon, TX, Jordan Flater, Ian Flater, and Hannah Flater of Niceville, FL; and several nieces and nephews.

True to her wish, Jan was able to remain in the comfort of her cherished home in her final days, wrapped in peace and the love of her family. Thank you to Emerald Coast Hospice for helping us make this possible.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or online at michaeljfox.org/give).