Janice Gillette

Janice Gillette, 75, of Decatur, passed away on Friday, October 18, 2019, at Rose Arbor Hospice, with her family by her side. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, October 22, 2019, at Decatur Bible Church, 80797 M-51, Decatur, with Pastor Steve DeGroft officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-8 pm on Monday, October 21, 2019, at Newell Chapel, 83313 M-51, Decatur. In lieu Memorial contributions may be made to West Michigan Cancer Center or Rose Arbor Hospice. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.newellchapel.com. Janice was born on September 17, 1944, to Alta and Illene Merrill in Berrien Springs. On April 23, 1965, she married Jerry Gillette. Janice was the head cook at Decatur Schools for 25 years. She also served as a cook at Oak Cove Resort in Lawrence for over 25 years. She and Jerry are lifetime members of Decatur Bible Church and Janice served in the nursery for over 40 years. Janice is survived by her husband of 54 years, Jerry Gillette; children, Theresa (James) McGuire, Steven (Kathy) Gillette and Jerry “Jim” (Sherri) Gillette; grandchildren, Matthew (Elizabeth) McGuire, Shaun (Kristin) McGuire, Kayla Gillette, Casey (Felix) Minoso, Robert (Jessica) Gillette, Eric (Christine) Tobin, Amy (Andrew) Brock, Angela (Nick) Cook and Ryan Peck; seventeen great-grandchildren and siblings, Erma (Gene) Bonham, Clara (Gerald) Knapp, Jack (Carol) Merrill, Larry (Kathy) Merrill and Tom (Sherrie) Merrill. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alta and Illene Merrill and siblings, Erwin Merrill and Cecilia Merrill.