Janet Theresa Gest

Janet Theresa (Will) Gest, 86, of Newburgh, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at Heart to Heart Hospice surrounded by her family.
Janet was born in Ft. Branch, Indiana on October 16, 1939 to Alphonse "Al" A. and Verena C. (Maurer) Will. She graduated from Haubstadt High School. She retired as a hostess from Cavanaughs after many years of service but also worked at several other restaurants around Evansville. Janet enjoyed reading, walking, traveling, and building and decorating homes with her late husband, Kenny. She was a woman of deep faith and was continuously praying. She was a dedicated member of St. Benedict Cathedral. Above all else, Janet loved her family and especially enjoyed spending time with her beloved children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Janet is survived by her children, Shelley Marie Daugherty, Robyn Michelle Taylor and Jody Christopher Jackson (Rebecca); son-in-law, Mark Lattner; step-children, Barry Gest (Christine) and Terri Waller (Fred); sister, Mary Sue "Susie" Gries; brother, Ken Will (Lu Ann); 11 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; aunt, Lillian Maurer; and nieces, nephews and cousins.
Janet was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Kenneth F. Gest in 2020; son, Monte Allan Jackson; daughter, Tammi Teresa Lattner; son-in-law, Tim Taylor; step-son, Mike Gest; sister, Sharon Will; brother, Tim Will (Jan); brother-in-law, Jim Gries; and by many other extended family members.
A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, January, 13, 2026 at St. Benedict Cathedral, 1328 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, IN 47714 with Father Ted Tempel and Father Lowell Will celebrating. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Friends may visit from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Monday, January 12, 2026 at Browning Funeral Home, 738 Diamond Ave., Evansville, IN 47711 and again from 10:00 am until Mass time at the church on Tuesday.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Heart to Heart Hospice, 610 E. Walnut St., Evansville, IN 47710.
The family would like to thank Heart to Heart Hospice for their compassionate care.