Janet Louise Hall

Janet Kesel Hughes Hall (1930 - 2025)
Janet Kesel Hughes Hall, a lifelong resident of Aurora known for her integrity, quick humor, and unfailing consideration for others, passed away peacefully in Geneva on October 30, 2025. She was just weeks shy of her 95th birthday.
Born in Aurora on November 26, 1930, Janet was the daughter of Dr. Robert and Helen Kesel. She and her older brother, Robert ("Bobbie"), grew up in the city she would call home for more than 80 years. She attended Greenman Elementary and graduated from West Aurora High School before earning her degree from nursing school at William Woods College.
In the 1950s, Janet became a local pioneer, likely the first female radio host from Aurora. She was working as a capable assistant to Chick Hearn (who would later become the famous voice of the LA Lakers) at the radio station broadcasting from the top of Aurora's Leland Hotel. Mr. Hearn, recognizing her natural personality and voice for radio, created a weekly call-in advice and music program for a female audience called "Listen Ladies" and made Janet its host.
She was a vibrant personality with a mischievous streak. A fond family story recounts Janet being brought in by Aurora police during high school for attempting to enter a local drive-in through the exit, all to evade the ticket booth while smuggling a trunkful of friends.
Janet was a lifelong, devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church in Aurora. It was there her life was centered in faith and family. She married Charles ("Charlie") L. Hughes, a lawyer, on September 17, 1960. They raised two children, Charles S. Hughes and Karen Hughes Griffin. After Charlie's passing from a brain tumor, Janet found love again and married the Rev. John Hall, pastor of Westminster Presbyterian, in August 1985.
Janet will be remembered most as a person who lived with grace. She loved to laugh, always found the humor in things, and dedicated her life to helping others, never once wanting to be an inconvenience to anyone. She lived in Aurora until 2012, when she moved to a senior living community.
She is survived by her daughter, Karen Hughes Griffin and son-in-law Chris; her cherished grandchildren, Ryan and Erin Griffin; and several loving cousins, nieces, and nephews. From her second marriage to John Hall, Mark (Debrann) Hall, Sharon (Jeff) Crowhurst, Jeanne (Arthur) Jackson, and Hall family grand and great grandchildren.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Robert; her first husband, Charles L. Hughes; her second husband, Rev. John Hall; and her son, Charles S. Hughes.
A memorial service and visitation will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at the First Presbyterian Church in Aurora. Visitation at 10 am. Followed by a service at 11:30 am. There will be a luncheon provided by the Church after the service.
Flowers may be sent to the church on Friday from 9 AM - noon or the morning of the service. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation in Janet's name to WoundedWarriorProject.org.