Janet F. (Blacketter) Gwartney

Janet Florine Blacketter Gwartney, age 84, of Pittsfield, IL died peacefully October 18, 2023, surrounded by family at her home. Janet was the daughter of Virdle and Lavina Davis Blacketter, born in Time, IL on July 5, 1939.

Janet attended Time Grade School and Pittsfield High School, graduating in 1957. In 1961 Janet married Kenneth Gwartney and they were married 32 years, he preceded her in death. ‘Jan’ as she was known to everyone was a godly woman with a tremendous faith and lived by example. Jan worked at Lincoln Inn restaurant after high school and later worked at Ben Franklin, GTE as a telephone operator, Pike County Sheriff Department and later the Barry Boarding Home alongside her husband. Jan loved taking care of people. She ended her working career retiring from Walmart where she earned many awards. Jan loved to travel with Kenny, and they took many trips to Branson, MO enjoying country music shows until he was unable to travel due to his health. She met her dear friend Dorothy Wombles on a trip with the Senior Center and they clicked from the beginning. She and Dorothy took many trips together spending time at Dorothy’s condo in Florida and enjoyed a special trip to Paris, France. Jan was skilled in making silk flower arrangements and loved helping decorate her church with her friend Rayola Daniel. She enjoyed working in her yard with her flowers until she was unable. He favorite hobby was shopping, going to yard sales and auctions. Jan always looked forward to her Thursday hair appointment and having lunch with her friends Gladys Clarkson and Ferrol Hillebrenner. She belonged to HCE and HCE Garden Club. Jan loved watching Days of our Lives and westerns, especially Gunsmoke and enjoyed country music and old gospel songs. She was a loving, gentle and caring woman with a big heart.

Janet is survived by her stepdaughters, Judith (Roger) Meyer of Quincy, IL, Barbara (Bud) Malone of Kinderhook, IL and Sheila Gwartney of Barry, IL; cousins, Vera Staffy of Pittsfield, IL, Owen Chaplin of Leesville, AZ and Nancy Wilder of Jacksonville, IL; nephew, Larry Ruble of Pittsfield, IL; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren; and her church family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Virdle and Lavina Blacketter; stepson, Kenneth Gwartney; stepdaughter, Marge Schmidt; sisters, Pearl Ruble and Mildred Blacketter in infancy; and niece, Monica Ruble.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with visitation held prior to the service from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Interment will follow the service at Oakwood Cemetery in Pittsfield. Memorials are suggested to be made to Detroit Christian Church, Oakwood Cemetery or Burbridge Cemetery. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.

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