Obituary of Janet Kay Van Atten

Janet K. VanAtten, age 85, of Alma peacefully entered into eternal rest after a brief illness, on Monday April 17, 2023 with her family gathered around her.

Janet was born in Alma, Michigan on August 7, 1937 to William J and Pauline (Worthington) Cater. She attended school in Alma where she met the love of her life, William L. VanAtten. They were married on December 29, 1956 and just celebrated their 66^th wedding anniversary. They were blessed with 4 children, Rhonda (Ted) Swank of Swartz Creek, William (Kasie Moon) of St Louis, Jody of Texas, and Kimberly (Amando) Garcia of Alma. She is survived by her husband William; her children; her sister, Joan Huffman of Ovid, Michigan; 9 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother; a sister; a grandson; a granddaughter; and a great- granddaughter.

Janet dedicated her life to her family, guiding them through life the best she could. She also dedicated her working life to hundreds of children that attended Alma Public Schools, where she worked as a paraprofessional for 50+ years. She loved kids and would help them any way she could. After retirement, she was like the Energizer bunny, never stopping or letting anyone or anything get in her way. She was a wonderful baker who spoiled her kids and grandkids with cookies, pies, breads, homemade candies, and anything else anyone would ask her to make. Her specialties were Molasses cookies, Chocolate Chip cookies, and Apple pie. She was also a wonderful cook who passed her cooking skills on to all of her children. She will be greatly missed.

There will be a Celebration of Life from 1-4 pm, Sunday, April 23, 2023 in the Doig Chapel, Masonic Pathways, 1200 Wright Avenue, Alma Michigan. Light refreshments will be served. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to Masonic Pathways or Dalis to the Rescue.  To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.