Janet Margaret Foster

Janet Margaret Foster, age 77 of Battle Creek, Michigan went home to be with the Lord on October 20, 2023, finally at peace after a ten-year battle with dementia. A lover of children, Janet operated a daycare in her younger years. She derived the most joy from being around her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, oftentimes on road trips to zoos, theme parks, and special attractions. She also deeply loved, cared for, and respected the elderly and worked in a nursing home for many years. Janet had the biggest and kindest heart and was always looking to help someone, particularly someone "down on their luck," as she would say. She was known to pick up a hitchhiker or two in her younger days, when the world was different. She was selfless, embodied and would always listen - a lot of times for hours – to the troubles of her loved ones with a guiding and supportive ear. If you were one of her grandchildren making her mad, though, she would tell you that she would warm your behind, in a bit more colorful language. Janet also loved playing bingo, driving to small towns to try out little diners, having luncheons with the red hat ladies, crocheting and baking with her grandchildren. She is survived by her sister Patricia (Robert) Johnson, son David (Tami) Ball, daughter Deborah A Emelander, Grandchildren Edward (Vicki) Ball, Brandin (Christa) Middlebrook, Brittany (Trenton) Middlebrook, Renee (Luke) Shaver, Amanda (Cody) Buyce, Rachel (Jacob) Kotecki, Brent (Melissa) Emelander, Lynsey Emelander, as well as great-grandchildren Lily Ball, Bradley Buyce, Natalie Buyce, Tatum Hodges, Kinsley Emelander, Onnah Frey, Manning Bristow, Caelyn and Caryana Ley. She is preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Ann Allen, finally reunited with her mother whom she lost at 23 years of age, brother John Allen, sister Joanne Nelson Wilder, Son in Law Rich Emelander, and great granddaughter Ahna Ball. She was loved dearly and will be greatly missed.  A memorial gathering to celebrate Janet’s life will be held Thursday, October 26^th, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. www.henryfuneralhome.org