Janet Kay Bancroft

Janet Kay Bancroft (Jan), 89, of Satellite Beach, Florida passed away peacefully at home with family by her side, on September 11, 2026. She was born March 4, 1937, in a snowbank outside a Fort Dodge Hospital, Iowa. She was delivered by her father. She grew up in Ames and Clarion, Iowa and graduated from Iowa State with a degree in Telecommunications Arts.

Jan began her career in television & radio, working at stations in Ames, Memphis, Minneapolis, and San Diego. She later became a full-time Navy Officer wife supporting her husband Bill, and their family, throughout his military career before they eventually settled in Merritt Island, FL. She enjoyed many years working in the cruise industry, ultimately owning her own travel agency for 10 years.

Jan believed in giving back to her community and to causes that mattered to her. Over the years, she was actively involved in church, the Brevard Library Foundation, Salvation Army, Brevard Zoo, National Public Radio and Television, and American Association of University Women.

Jan was an inspiration to others through her words and actions. She was an activist and a philanthropist, and a woman who cared deeply about her family, her community, and the world around her. The memories of her jokes, laughter and singing will continue to bring us all happiness.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Bancroft and their oldest son, Todd Bancroft.

She is survived by her son, Ladd Bancroft (wife, Denise); daughter Ann B. Haire (husband, Phillip); her six grandchildren, Chris Bancroft, Kyle Bancroft, Ashley Anderson, Seth Bancroft, Taylor Haire, and Maile Haire. She also cherished her eight great grandchildren.

Jan’s family is especially grateful to her amazing caregivers (Jan’s gals), whose love and devotion meant so much. The family is also thankful for the hospice care team and the compassion and comfort they provided.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Jan’s memory may donate to a charity of their choice.

She will be interred with her husband, Bill at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery following a private service.