Janet Lorraine Knowlton age 71, of Grand Rapids, passed away on August 14, 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents, Insell and Virginia Harris; and daughter, Debra Keefer. Janet is survived by her children, Jeffrey (Lauri) Balhoff, John Balhoff, and Tamara (Andrew) Shreiner; sisters, Loretta Gorr, Gail (Dan) Garza, Jenny Delor and Christine (James) O’Connor; brothers, Dennis (Toni) Harris and William (Bonnie) Harris; grandchildren, Jharid (Cortney), Taylor and Chase Balhoff, Emily (Zach) Ostrander, Alex Balhoff, Maegen Keefer, Lilian, Margaret and Samuel Shreiner; and two great-grandchildren, Serenitie and Harper. Janet resided in St. Clair and Port Huron for most of her life, but recently moved to Grand Rapids to be near her children and grandchildren. Janet fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse in her early thirties, and then proudly cared for patients for 35 years, working at both Mt. Clemens General Hospital and Port Huron Hospital. In her younger years, Janet was an excellent racquetball player, golfer, and water skier. Throughout her life, she loved to cook and work on home improvement projects, transforming every home she ever owned. She was also a talented seamstress and made amazing Halloween costumes for her children and grandchildren every year. Janet adored animals, especially her beloved dogs. She loved her family members intensely. Her warm smile, endless energy, and extra long hugs will be missed. Visitation is Sunday, August 19 from 11 AM to 1 PM with a memorial service at 1 PM at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Father Scott Nolan officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Janet to the McLeod Fund for Nursing Education Scholarships through Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids. Donations can be made online at give.spectrumhealth.org/donate, over the phone at 616-391-2000 or by mail to 100 Michigan St NE, MC004, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
One Response
Loved you Aunt Janet! You were a firecracker and had such a great passion. I know I didn’t get to see you much, but I loved every minute when we did. I will miss you. Rest in peace, in the loving arms of God.
To my cousins: Jeff, John & Tammy; You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending warm thoughts, lots of love and great big hugs. Love you all.