Janet Pelkey

Janet Pelkey, age 92 years formerly of Niles, Michigan; mother, grandmother, outdoors woman, community volunteer, and friend died peacefully on Saturday, April 1, 2023 in Wesley Chapel, Florida following an extended illness.

She was born on July 5, 1930 in Niles to John N. and Ila (Weaver) Burch, and was graduated from Niles High School.  On July 22, 1950 in Niles she married Richard W. Pelkey, who was a mechanic at the former Long’s Texaco Service Station at the corner of 11th and Bertrand.  Richard purchased the business, and Janet joined him in its operation as Pelkey’s Texaco Service, which changed brands to Pelkey’s Marathon Service.  Janet also worked in the chiropractic office of Betty Parker, D.C., and became a realtor at Century 21 American Homes.  She lived in the Bertrand community most of her life, and moved to Florida in 2018.

Janet was a long-time member of the Sumnerville Bible Baptist Church near Niles, and served on the board of the Four Flags Apple Festival.  She enjoyed camping, often at Yankee Springs State Recreation Area near Wayland, Michigan, and gardening and maintaining the flowers and plants in her yard.  As a young mother, she supported her children, volunteering with the Band Parents, the Parent Teacher Organization, and the local 4-H club.  Her family was her greatest joy.

She and Richard celebrated the remarkable Fifty-sixth Anniversary of their wedding prior to his death on December 27, 2006.  They were sadly preceded in death by a daughter, Darlene K. Foster on January 21, 2005; and by a grandson, Matthew R. Foster on January 6, 2023, and Janet’s brother, Glen Burch.

Surviving family includes her children, Sherry Crocker of Niles and David (& Dawn) Pelkey of Florida; grandchildren Tom Crocker, Angie (& Ron) Hoaks, Sarah Foster, Heather (& Jenny) Grow, Vicki (& Dana) Shuster, Amber (& Bobby) Mullins, and Aaron (& Elyse) Szala; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The family of Janet Pelkey will gather privately at her graveside in Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles to share memories and honor her life.  Arrangements in Florida were completed by the Hodges Family Funeral Home of Dade City; and in Niles by the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home.  Online condolences may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Janet lived far beyond the Biblical promise of 70 years, and she used all of her 92 years well, always encouraging those around her: the patrons at Pelkey’s, the patients at Dr. Parkers, new home buyers, and most of all, her children and her husband; all fulfilling the command to Love God and Love people.