Janice Thomas

Janice Thomas was voted Miss Congeniality as a young woman. She was also a lifelong prankster, whose main target was her siblings. Most of all, she was a loving wife, mother and sister who showed her love for her family in every day living.

Born February 7, 1956 in Allegan, Michigan to Gerald and Betty (Hammer) Truax, Jan was the youngest of five children. Gerald and Betty worked hard to raise Jan and her older siblings: Gary, Darlene, Bruce and Neil. Gerald provided for the family while Betty stayed home to care for the children and run the household. The fifties were considered by many to be an idyllic time in American history. Even though the Cold War was heating up, most Americans were enjoying peace and prosperity. It was a good time to raise a family. Even though Jan, (along with her brother Bruce) were known to be the merciless pranksters of the family, Jan still was a wonderful sister. While growing up, Jan was involved in 4-H and she played in the school band. Later, she entered the Miss Wayland pageant and easily won the title of Miss Congeniality of 1974.

After graduating from Wayland High School in 1974, Jan found employment at Roger’s Department Store and later was manager for Dancer’s Clothing Store. She eventually earned her Associates Degree from Davenport College in Marketing.

One fateful day in 1976, Jan noticed a handsome young man named Ken Thomas at Plainwell Lanes. Ken, who was bowling with his friends, took notice of Jan as well. They hit it off immediately and started dating. They soon fell in love and were married on June 24, 1978 starting a journey together that lasted for thirty years.

Jan and Ken started their married life together and soon brought two beautiful daughters into the world: Katie and Julie. Jan was a wonderful mother who went all out with birthday parties for the girls, complete with food, presents, and a unique theme for each one. As the girls grew up she spent time with each daughter, taking them out for special treats and a day of having mom all to themselves. Being an avid dog-lover, Jan also had many pets over the years that added to the fun and chaos. (Instead of having grandchildren, Jan had granddogs)!

Life with Jan was never dull. She was a lifelong prankster and she herself described her family as crazy in a fun way and always made people laugh. She had a way of getting people on her side.

Jan was known as the Halloween Queen of her area. She pulled out all the stops on Halloween, eagerly decorating the house weeks before the actual holiday, adding more decorations each year. People came from miles around to view the house and one year there was even a write-up about Jan in the Grand Rapids Press!

In her quieter moments, Jan could be found at her favorite place on earth, Lake Michigan. Here she could relax, watch the waves and enjoy the sunset.

Sadly, Jan was diagnosed with cancer in 2005. She kept working at her job as Court Clerk for the Allegan County Probate Court as long as she could.

Jan will be remembered for her enthusiasm, her love of life, and her exuberant personality. She made holidays and birthdays memorable. Her devotion and care of her husband, daughters and siblings will be the mark she leaves behind. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her in the short time she was given.

Janice Thomas, of Shelbyville, passed away Monday, September 15, 2008.

She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Ken; two daughters: Katie (Matt) Kurdelski, of Otsego; Julie (Isaac Halstead) Thomas, of Shelbyville. She is also survived by her parents, Gerald and Betty Truax, of Shelbyville; four siblings: Gary (Betty) Truax, of Allegan; Darlene (Fred) Morley, of Hopkins; Bruce (Sharon) Truax, of Wayland; Neil (Linda) Truax.

Learn more about Janice, view her Life Story film, and visit with her family and friends Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell Chapel, 120 S. Woodhams. Funeral services will be held at Friday at 11 AM at the Martin Reformed Church.

Please visit Janice’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo, sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home or make a memorial donation to the Wings of Hope Hospice of Allegan and West Michigan Cancer Center.