Janet Huff

Above all things, Janet Huff loved the Lord with all of her heart. A fine example of her Christian faith and devotion to her family was a blessing to those who knew and loved her. With natural grace and a hard work ethic, Janet spent her life caring for others, and was a devoted wife and mother. Ever ready when her named was called, she now rejoices in her heavenly home at peace and in good health. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Born in the early fall on October 10, 1918, Janet was a welcome blessing into the lives of her parents, Gerrit and Rosa (Gietzen) Terpstra in the small community of Corinth, Michigan. A significant time in our nation’s history, Daylight Savings Time officially began and the end of World War I was a relief to many. Cause for great concern the world over, the Spanish flu reached epidemic proportions, taking the lives of over 25 million people within the first six months of the disease.

Growing up in Wayland, Michigan, Janet’s parents were farmers who cultivated their land with crops and raised cattle. The oldest of five children, Janet was later joined by siblings Joseph, Albertus, Mary and Ruth. Farm life offered plenty of work, and as the eldest, Janet had her share of responsibilities. She helped out on the family farm with chores and helped raise her younger brothers and sisters, often looking after them. This time in Janet’s life only proved to be the beginning of her natural ability to care for others.

Janet attended a one room school house in Corinth and Graduated 8th grade before going on to attend nursing school in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Nursing was a perfect career choice for a young woman like Janet who possessed a caring demeanor with heartfelt mannerisms. Before long she earned her way as a Licensed Practical Nurse, but it was not without it’s share of hard work and struggle. The Great Depression brought about great hardship. Janet worked for her room and board as a nanny for a well-to-do family in Grand Rapids who helped her obtain her driver’s license.

With her degree in hand, Janet began working at Mary Free Bed Hospital as an LPN before going on to work at St. Mary’s Hospital. She eventually completed her career while working at Ferguson’s Hospital, now part of Spectrum Health Care in Grand Rapids. Over the years Janet formed many lasting friendships and traveled often. Louise and Kathryn Post as well as Anna Wiersma were longtime friends whom Janet frequently visited at their cottages up north where fun times were shared by all.

Nursing brought Janet much satisfaction and contentment. It also laid the foundation for her to cross paths with her future husband, Norman Huff, who was a dashing gentleman who Janet cared for as a patient. The two became quite smitten for each other and began dating. In time their relationship turned to love, and they became husband and wife on October 30, 1959, shortly after Janet’s 41st birthday. They were married at the Land Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids, and honeymooned in beautiful Niagara Falls.

The couple made their home in Bangor, Michigan on Norman’s family farm, Huff Dairy Farm, where Janet became a dedicated farmer’s wife. One of the most blessed days in Janets life was the day that she gave birth to her “one and only” daughter, Rosemary, who was named after her mother, and both of her sisters. Born in 1960, Rosemary was the delight of Janet’s life, and she loved every aspect of motherhood. Janet was now not only a dedicated farmer’s wife, but a loving and devoted mother, too.

Returning to a life of farming brought back many memories of Janet’s childhood. She was no stranger to the hard work and effort it took. Although she missed the activity and her friends from the big city, Janet’s heart was tied to the farm. As a family, they took a trip out west in the late 1960's and shared memorable times. Most importantly, Janet was devoted to her faith. She read her bible daily, and as member of Covey Hill Baptist Church, Janet served and volunteered her time often. She for many years was a member of the church choir there. In time Janet and her family moved to Glendale, Michigan where Janet and Norman always had a thriving garden. They loved gardening and even had their own produce stand where they sold the fruits of their labor. She particularly enjoyed growing garlic. Along with gardening, Janet was a great cook, too. Her homemade pies were a family favorite. Rosemary always had her favorite peach pie lovingly baked by her mother for her birthday.

An establishing member of the Ladies Aid and Red Hat Societies, Janet enjoyed getting together with friends from both groups several times a month. Although she never asked for much, Janet loved knitting hats and scarfs. She loved her jewelry and could always be found wearing her treasured trinkets. Later in life, she came to love a good chocolate Frosty from Wendy’s. Janet had a love for all types of flowers, and enjoyed growing them. Her love of music and the hymns of her youth was a blessing to Janet when she learned to play the organ. Although a difficult time when her beloved Norman died in 1998 from congestive heart failure, Janet found strength in her Lord and the love and support from her wonderful daughter.

In Janet’s later years her daughter Rosemary became just as devoted to caring for her as she was as a mother. Just like her mother before her, Rosemary possessed a natural ability to look after others with her work caring for people in an assisted living home. Janet attended services at Northeastern Baptist Church where she recently was unable to attend because of her health, but she remained faithful to the Lord. A great mother and wonderful grandmother, Janet was often visited by Cooper. With her cute little giggle, she often referred to him as “the little dog” whenever he jumped onto her lap. Janet was blessed with a granddaughter, Melissa, who visited with her daily to keep her spirits high. Melissa was equally blessed with a deep love for her grandma. Brian, just as equally loved by his grandmother, when Brian was serving his country in Iraq she often prayed for his safe return and the good Lord answered her prayers. With faith as her guide and the Lord as her light, Janet often told her family, “Jesus is coming soon, you have to be ready!”

Janet loved being surrounded by family and absolutely loved company. She was grateful for her friend June Randal and others from Northeastern Baptist, who often came to read God’s Word to Janet when she was no longer able too. Suffering with several health issues, Janet’s daughter and granddaughter lovingly cared for Janet in her last days. Although congestive heart failure was taking its toll on Janet, she was clear in her thinking right up to the end. Janet, at the age of 91, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Although Janet has passed on to her heavenly reward, she will be forever treasured and deeply missed in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Huff and by a brother, Joseph Terpstra. Surviving is her daughter, Rosemary Emery–Belland (Ralph); two grandchildren, Melissa and Brian Emery, two step-grandchildren, Morgan and Dylan Belland; three siblings, Albertus Terpstra, Mary Terpstra and Ruth (Robert) Land; a nephew, Gary (Holly) Land and her niece, Sharon (Michael) Harig, along with one great niece and four great nephews, sister-in-law Ilah Terpstra and 2 nieces Barbara and Belinda.

Services for Janet will be held Monday, February 22, 2010, 11:00 AM at the Northeastern Baptist Church, 6536 East G Avenue followed by a luncheon in the church hall. Memorial donations may be directed to Northeastern Baptist Church or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can submit a favorite memory or photo of Janet or sign her online memory book. Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo; 6080 Stadium Drive, 375-2900.