Janet I. Smucker, 86, of West Liberty, passed away Thursday evening, September 12, 2024, at Logan Acres Care Center.
Janet was born in Wayne County, Ohio, on June 6, 1938, to the late Raymond and Ruth Robert Schrock. She was also preceded in death by sons: Rev. Jerry D. Smucker, M.D., and KJ Schrock (formerly known as Kenton Joel Smucker), a sister Alice Schrock Hegemier, brother Robert Levi Schrock, and brothers-in-law: Duane Hegemier, Lynn Smucker, and P. Mark Smucker.
Janet is survived by her daughter-in-law Julie Smucker of Columbus; grandchildren: J. Austin W. (Jenni) Smucker and Emily Jane Smucker; brothers-in-law: Don M. (Jane) Smucker, and Dr. Alvin J. Marion (Betty) Smucker; sisters-in-law: Dorothy Smucker & Jeanne Smucker Yoder; nephews Ron (Brigid) Hegemier and Brad (Nancy) Hegemier and their families; and bonus sons: Lanny Smith and his family, and Darren McIntosh and his family.
Janet graduated valedictorian of the Smithville (OH) High School Class of 1956. She had a 58 year working career, and retired from Adriel School in West Liberty after 40+ years of service as an administrative aide and human resources worker. She was a member of Bethel Mennonite Church, and enjoyed her time spent with the Serving With Love ladies, a sewing club of women from Bethel and Oak Grove churches. Janet also took great pleasure hosting game and card evenings, cooking for family and friends, and sharing her amazing pies. She also enjoyed traveling with her friends and collecting red glass pieces. Janet’s children, grandchildren, and close friends were the bright spots in her life.
Janet sends a special thank you to “angel” friends God sent after the passing of her sons; these include: Steven and Robin Godwin, Darren McIntosh, Derek Younkman, Todd Hostetler, Gina Buroker, Susan Reames, Linda Overly, Judy Rottman, Joe Walters, Carl and Elaine Newcomer, Barbara and Byron Kauffman, Dick and Nellie Lindemer, Kyle and Bob VanOsdol, Dawn Yocum, , and many more, too numerous to mention.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 21, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, West Liberty. A memorial service celebrating Janet’s life will be Saturday, Sept. 21, at 1:30 p.m. at Bethel Mennonite Church, 416 Washington Street, West Liberty, Ohio. A private burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, West Liberty.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mennonite Mission Network (PO Box, 370, Elkhart, IN 46516), Mennonite Central Committee (PO Box 500, Akron, PA 17501), or to Mennonite Disaster Services (583 Airport Road, Lititz, PA 17543).
Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, West Liberty, is honored to serve the Smucker family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.
