Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Janet Ethell Obituary
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved Janet L. Ethell, who left us to be with her father Arthur and dog Trooper, on Friday, August 8, 2025 at 3:06 PM from Memorial Hospital, Springfield, IL.
Janet was born May 20, 1956, daughter of Arthur E. Hartley and Betty C. Zessin Hartley of Petersburg, IL.
She is survived by husband Garry L. Ethell, Athens, IL, son Ryan Ethell; step-daughter Jennifer (Lee) Lipscomb; step-son Kalab Ethell; grandchildren Pete, Jack and Alex, dogs Jazz and Millie; cat Sammie; sisters Diana (Rick) Underwood, Patti (Skip) Kernebeck, Connie Gheen, Jeanie (Ron) Pettit; and mother Betty C. Hartley.
She will also be greatly missed by many nieces, nephews, family members and countless friends.
Anyone who knew Janet would tell you that you wouldn’t find a more kind, caring and thoughtful person. She left a lasting impact on everyone she met, whether she was with them for a season or a lifetime.
Her love for animals, especially dogs, was evident to everyone who knew her. She met many friends while volunteering with several lost dog groups. She could often be found enjoying her flower gardens and loved spending time helping care for her mother.
Janet worked at the State of Illinois and was the first female to go through the academy for the Menard County Sheriff’s Office.
She will be fondly remembered and never forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lost Dogs of Illinois.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 15th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens. Cremation rites were accorded for Janet.
Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
206 N Main P.O. Box 257, Athens, IL 62613
People and places connected with Janet
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Janet Ethell
Tell your own story about Janet
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Make a Donation
in Janet Ethell's name
How to support Janet'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
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 moreResources 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
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 moreWays to honor Janet Ethell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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
