Janice Danford Manistee, Michigan Obituary

Janice Danford

CADILLAC- Janice Marie Danford, of Cadillac, lost her short battle with cancer on Wednesday, July 23, 2014, while surrounded by loved ones in Mercy Hospital Cadillac. Janice was born on August 20, 1951. She has left behind her husband and best friend of 31 years, Donald Danford; two amazing sons, Scott Rebant and Eric (Jessie) Rebant; grandchildren: Brittany Rebant, Travis Rebant, Brandon Rebant, Mason Hudson, Kyle Hudson, Logan Rebant; and great-granddaughter, Ava Rebant. Also left to grieve are her mother, Nellie Stearley; sisters: Lelah (Bill) Hilliker, Joan Smith, Vicki Hoftman; brothers, Mark Smith and Douglas Smith; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clare and Marie Danford; sisters-in-law, Mary (Gary) Henry and Judi (Mike) Pearson. She was met with open arms at the gates of heaven by her father, Frank Smith, Betty (Arnold) Smith, Lucille (Blaire) Smith; her brother, Roger Smith; and many aunts; uncles; and loved ones. Jan was the matriarch of her family. She loved us with all of her being. Every day, every hour, every breath she took was spent making her friends and family happy. She devoted herself wholly to us and never asked for anything in return. She spent most of her time spoiling her husband, children and especially her grandchildren. Our lives will forever have a void that she once filled. She took pride in all of our accomplishments, became our strength in times of need, loved us unconditionally, and encouraged us to be the best versions of ourselves. She loved to garden. Whether it is her flowers or her vegetables, she was always working in her yard. Her time and dedication had paid off and now as her family we can sit on her back porch and look out and feel her presence. It's in every rock, flower, wisp of wind, chirp of the birds, flutter of butterfly wings, bubble in the waterfall, and ray of sunshine beaming upon us. We see her in the smiles of her grandchildren and feel her love in their laughter. Jan was the most amazing woman in more ways than we will ever be able to thank her for. As her family we invite you, her family (close and distant), her friends, her coworkers (both present and former), and anyone that has been touched by this amazing woman to celebrate her life with us on August 2 from noon to 4 p.m. at 15910 22 Road, Tustin, MI 49688. Outdoor water activities will be available for the children. Please bring a lawn chair with you if you can and we would love to share your memories. Our family would like to add a special thanks to Cadillac Mercy Hospital, Reed City Cancer Center, Munson Hospital and Saint Mary's in Grand Rapids for all of their support, compassion and prayers during this difficult time. Any donations to help with incurred medical expenses, please send to Donald Danford at 7103 Willow Drive, Cadillac MI 49601.
August 20, 1951 - July 23, 201408/20/195107/23/2014
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Obituary

CADILLAC- Janice Marie Danford, of Cadillac, lost her short battle with cancer on Wednesday, July 23, 2014, while surrounded by loved ones in Mercy Hospital Cadillac. Janice was born on August 20, 1951. She has left behind her husband and best friend of 31 years, Donald Danford; two amazing sons, Scott Rebant and Eric (Jessie) Rebant; grandchildren: Brittany Rebant, Travis Rebant, Brandon Rebant, Mason Hudson, Kyle Hudson, Logan Rebant; and great-granddaughter, Ava Rebant. Also left to grieve are her mother, Nellie Stearley; sisters: Lelah (Bill) Hilliker, Joan Smith, Vicki Hoftman; brothers, Mark Smith and Douglas Smith; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clare and Marie Danford; sisters-in-law, Mary (Gary) Henry and Judi (Mike) Pearson. She was met with open arms at the gates of heaven by her father, Frank Smith, Betty (Arnold) Smith, Lucille (Blaire) Smith; her brother, Roger Smith; and many aunts; uncles; and loved ones. Jan was the matriarch of her family. She loved us with all of her being. Every day, every hour, every breath she took was spent making her friends and family happy. She devoted herself wholly to us and never asked for anything in return. She spent most of her time spoiling her husband, children and especially her grandchildren. Our lives will forever have a void that she once filled. She took pride in all of our accomplishments, became our strength in times of need, loved us unconditionally, and encouraged us to be the best versions of ourselves. She loved to garden. Whether it is her flowers or her vegetables, she was always working in her yard. Her time and dedication had paid off and now as her family we can sit on her back porch and look out and feel her presence. It's in every rock, flower, wisp of wind, chirp of the birds, flutter of butterfly wings, bubble in the waterfall, and ray of sunshine beaming upon us. We see her in the smiles of her grandchildren and feel her love in their laughter. Jan was the most amazing woman in more ways than we will ever be able to thank her for. As her family we invite you, her family (close and distant), her friends, her coworkers (both present and former), and anyone that has been touched by this amazing woman to celebrate her life with us on August 2 from noon to 4 p.m. at 15910 22 Road, Tustin, MI 49688. Outdoor water activities will be available for the children. Please bring a lawn chair with you if you can and we would love to share your memories. Our family would like to add a special thanks to Cadillac Mercy Hospital, Reed City Cancer Center, Munson Hospital and Saint Mary's in Grand Rapids for all of their support, compassion and prayers during this difficult time. Any donations to help with incurred medical expenses, please send to Donald Danford at 7103 Willow Drive, Cadillac MI 49601.

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