Jan Marie Willard

Jan Marie Willard obituary, Battle Creek, MI

Jan Marie Willard

Jan Willard Obituary

Visit the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services website to view the full obituary.

Jan Marie Willard, age 62 of Battle Creek, died Saturday May 31, 2025. She was born August 6, 1962, in Kalamazoo, Michigan the daughter of Everett Howard and Joan Marie (Shire) Shipley, Jr. Jan graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1981 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Art degree from Western Michigan University. Jan was an artist and had most recently worked at Campbell Murch. She loved all types of art, bowling and playing golf. On February 28, 2001, she married Gary L. Willard who survives. Jan is also survived by her daughter Angela Marie Willard; three stepdaughters: Tina Marie Willard, Tammy (Bob) Bannon and Jenny Marie Willard; several step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother and a sister. The family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Monday, June 9, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. with a Memorial Service to celebrate Jan’s life beginning at 3:00 p.m. Private interment will be held at Mount Ever-Rest Cemetery in Kalamazoo at a later date. Arrangements by the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home and Cremation Services. www.henryfuneralhome.org

View All Photos

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services

703 Capital Ave. SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015

How to support Jan's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Jan Willard's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more