Janis Hamill

Janis Marie Hamill was an energetic and loving woman. She was proud of her children and the values she had instilled. She was a creative baker who made amazing cakes, cookies and cupcakes. She was also a devoted mother and grandmother, whose favorite place in the world, was home. Born on June 8, 1957 in Muskegon, Michigan to Donald E. Sr. and Phyllis (Mckim) Schalk, Janis was one of five children. Donald and Phyllis worked hard to raise Janis, along with her siblings, Jeff, Donald Skip, Terry Lee and Janice. Donald was employed as a tool maker at Muskegons Dresser Crane, and Phyllis was a cashier at Meijers for thirty years. The years in which Janis grew up were good years for raising a family. Most Americans were enjoying peace and prosperity. When Janis wasnt playing with her friends and siblings she could be found attending school at Bluffton Elementary. Later she went on to Bunker Jr. High and Mona Shores High School. Janis did not graduate at this time, but proudly earned her G.E.D., at a later time. After high school, Janis met someone. They dated, fell in love and were married. Over the years the young couple brought five beautiful children into the world: Melissa Marie, Kimberly May, Christina Ann, Derek Brian, and Krystal Rae. A dedicated mother, Janis stayed home to care for the children and run the household. Janis was a wonderful mother who devoted herself totally to her children. Not only did she clean the house and keep things in order, she went above and beyond, especially in baking. Janis excelled in baking and would make elaborate cakes for special occasions. She was known for her homemade cookies and stand up rabbit cakes. She was the ultimate cake decorator! Not only did Janis take care of her childrens physical needs, she also was concerned with their character development. Janis did her best to instill strong moral values in each of her children and was very proud to see the results of her efforts, later on. She made sure that the children had what they needed, even if she had to do without. Janis was never materialistic, always making do with second hand items when she had to. After Janis and her husband divorced, Janis met the challenges head on. She went back to high school and proudly received her diploma. She also found employment as an inspector for quality control at Port City Metal Products to support the children. She worked there for eight years, until ill health forced her to retire. Through all the changes and challenges, Janis rose to the occasion. She supported her children, loved them and guided them, with an inner strength that became more apparent as time went on. During her spare time, along with baking, Janis enjoyed inviting family and friends to backyard cook outs. She also loved yard sales, where she and her daughters shared a fun quality day and pick up some good deals. When she could, Janis spent time in her garden, planting and enjoying the peace and quiet that nature affords. Her favorite music was country and rock and roll. When Janis became a grandmother, she reveled in this new role. She was available to babysit and help out in whatever way she was needed. She was kept apprised of all three grandchildren and their development. Janis was a loving mother and grandmother. She gave her children the best she had to give, being very proud of how they turned out. She was a creative baker and a hard worker. With her sense of humor and energy, she was the spark in everyones life. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her in the short time she had. Janis M. Hamill, age 51, of Muskegon, died Friday, January 23, 2009 at the Scolnic Hospice House surrounded by family. SERVICE Thursday, January 29, 2009, 1:00 PM at the Clock Chapel with Chaplain Jon Rager officiating. Interment at Lakeside Cemetery. VISITATION Thursday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. MEMORIAL: Hackley VNS Hospice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book. Clock Life Story- Muskegon