Janice I. Schonbok

Janice Schonbok, 83 of Decatur, passed away Saturday, February 20, 2021 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. Arrangements are entrusted to Newell Chapel in Decatur. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, February 26, 2021, at 11:00AM at Newell Chapel, 83313 M-51, Decatur. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, February 25, 2021, from 5:00PM until 7:00PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Janice’s name may be made to Decatur Davis Elementary School. Friends wishing to sign Janice’s Memory Book online may do so at www.newellchapel.com. Janice was born February 8, 1938, in Decatur, to Donald C. “Ted” and Doris (Smith) Pike. She graduated from Decatur High School in 1956. After high school, Janice worked for Welch’s in Lawton as a switch board operator. On May 4, 1957, she married the love of her life, Frank R. Schonbok, Jr. in Holy Family Catholic Church in Decatur. They started their lives together in the small town of Decatur where they raised their 4 children. Janice and Frank could often be found dancing to live music and going out to their favorite restaurant on Saturday nights. Janice worked for Decatur Public Schools for over 30 years before retiring in 2001. Most of her career she worked as a paraprofessional at Davis Elementary and as a secretary at Bergen Elementary. Janice was also the school board stenographer for many years. She was passionate about her work at the school, she loved each and every student and would spend many hours reminiscing about them and her many friends. Janice enjoyed bird and deer watching on her farm. Most of all, she loved her family and friends, and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Janice is survived by her children, Sally (Roger) McCann of Decatur, Robert (Linda) Schonbok of Waynesville, MO, John (Lonetta) Schonbok of Decatur, and Laurie Smith of Decatur; grandchildren, Veronica, John Jr., Cassandra, Andrew “AJ”, Jessica, Robert, Zachary, Michael and Logan; 15 great-granchildren; siblings, Linda (Larry)Fisher of Decatur and Phillip (Lanetta) Pike of Gobles; sisters-in-law, Karen Pike, Jean Van’t Zelfde and Martha Wolf; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Frank Schonbok; and brother, Bruce Pike.