Obituary: Janice Fern Peters

Janice F. Peters, 1934-2020

Janice Fern Peters, nee Jenkins, (Rhoades), age 86, of Saline, passed away April 15, 2020, surrounded by her family. Janice was born April 6, 1934 in Manchester, Michigan, the daughter of Stanley and Edna Jenkins. On May 17, 1955, she married her first husband, William Clark Rhoades. He preceded her in death in 1978. On April 10, 1980, she married William Joseph Peters; he preceded her in death in 2019.

Janice worked at Tecumseh products, ARA services, and the USPS, but her favorite jobs involved interacting with people. She was a loving, warm person, kind and accepting to all. One of her favorite jobs was working at Wacker’s Oil and visiting with the customers each day. Janice was an avid gardener, artist, and baker. She delighted in sharing her fresh garden vegetables, beautiful flowers, painting, blueberry pies, and cinnamon rolls. She loved animals and enjoyed their company over the years, most recently her beloved cat, Callie. She enjoyed music, especially church songs and hymns, which brought her serenity and joy.

Family was very important to Janice. She was a supportive mother and delighted in her children’s activities and interests. Holidays and visits were highlights of her life. Janice loved God and her church family. She worked at many events, and taught Sunday school and vacation bible school at the United Methodist Church in Manchester. She found great happiness in these activities, especially her work with young people in the church, remaining close with them for years.

Janice is survived by her children, Tamara Rhoades, Craig (Leanne) Rhoades, step children Terry Peters and Diane Peters, grandchildren Ethan (Clara), Danni (Larry), Luke (Tiffany) and Matthew, as well as great grandchildren: Maddie, Maisy, Maddix, Leonardo, Zachary, Annabelle and Zoe. In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by her stepson, James Peters. A memorial service will be held at a later date, when it is safe to gather. A private burial will take place at Norvell cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to Manchester United Methodist church: www.manchesterumchurch.org; follow the link to online giving and memorial gifts, with Janice Peters in the description. Memorials may also be mailed to: Manchester United Methodist Church, 501 Ann Arbor St., Manchester, MI 48158

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.