Janet Withers

RANTOUL - Janet Marie (Albers) Withers, 77, of Rantoul died Thursday (Oct. 24, 2024), but her sense of humor, work ethic and love of her family live on.

Janet was born Aug. 11, 1947, in Urbana, to Henry and Bertha (Schmidt) Albers, who preceded her in death. She and her five sisters and brother grew up on a working farm, where they all helped with every type of chore, including caring for a flock of sometimes aggressive peacocks.

Her siblings Virginia Reece of Nicholson, Ga., Judy (Jim) Quinlan of Rantoul and Paul (Jackie) Albers of Paxton survive. Dianne (Kenny) Halbrooks and Pat Loschen preceded Janet in death.

Janet and her husband, AG Withers (Gifford), had two children, Kathy (Jerry) Stalter of Rantoul and Carl (Stacey Bennett) Withers of Penfield. Although Janet and AG's marriage ended, they remained dear friends throughout her life. Janet worked hard her whole life, as a child care provider when her own children were young, then in Rantoul City Schools full time for more than 30 years while also working part time at Walmart.

Once, when Kathy and Carl were growing up in rural Rantoul, their beloved family dog went missing. Janet and her sister Judy sprung into action, driving throughout the country until they spotted the pup. After struggling to get him into the car, they drove home triumphant, only to discover it was the wrong dog.

Janet loved her family, especially her grandchildren, Joe Stalter, Marissa (Rick Gillis-Littleton) Withers, Kyle Withers and Ashley (Levi) Walker. Janet had a legendary wit that ranged from sarcastic to silly. Her grandchildren fondly remember her Christmas shenanigans when she would wrap their presents in bubble wrap or give them money in maze boxes so they would have to solve a puzzle to get their gifts.

Janet loved walking and reading - instilling a love of books in her children and grandchildren, and she enjoyed raising brilliant pink peonies transplanted from a shrub at her childhood home. Even after she was living with dementia that developed into Alzheimer's, she continued to insist on sharing arrangements of peonies with everyone around her.

She was known for her kindness, always volunteering to help or donate when she learned of people in need. She was naturally generous and always eager to assist others.

A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, Oct. 30, with a visitation at 10 a.m. and funeral at 11 a.m., both at Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul. Burial will be in Huls Cemetery, Gifford.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at act.alz.org.