Janelle K. Hair {Simpson}, 60, was born on April 18, 1954, in Grand Haven, Michigan, where she graduated from the local high school. After graduation she attended John Wesley College were she earned the honor of Magna Cum Laude upon her graduation in 1977. While attending the college she had 2 years of travel study in Europe. In 1978 she took a teaching position in St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands as a 3rd grade teacher at a Christian school.
In 1978 she moved to Indianapolis and took a position as a staff counselor for Youth for Christ. In 1980 she was hired as case worker by the Department of Public Welfare where she worked for 34 years and where she met her husband, Ron. They were married September 11, 1982. They had 3 children, Bryan, Nathan, and Bethany.
Janelle loved taking trips with her friends and garage sale shopping with them. She enjoyed gardening and going to the beach in Grand Haven.
She enjoyed making deserts for her co-workers and family members. She loved her Church and Church family. Although she did not have a lot of time left to be with them she was blessed to have had 2 granddaughters, Makenna and Olivia, whom she loved dearly.
She made the house a loving and caring home for her family and any one else who came over. She will be greatly missed by many.
Finally Janelle made her personal commitment to make Jesus Christ her Lord and Savior at 14. She never wavered in her faith.
She is survived by her husband, Ron; her 3 children, Bryan Nathan and Bethany; her mother, Rachel; and 2 brothers, Carl and Macy; her sister, Susie; and her 2 granddaughters, Makenna and Olivia; and many nieces and nephews.
Friends and family may call from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at Brookville Road Community Church, 7480 W. U.S. 52, New Palestine, IN 46163. A funeral service will begin at 7:00 p.m. Burial will take place on Friday, September 12, 2014 at 2:30 p.m. at Lakeshore Cemetery in Grand Haven, Michigan.
carrie tinnin says
I was honored to have Janelle as a friend. We met in college and became instant friends. I traveled to Europe with Janelle as we learned about other cultures and ourselves. It is hard to believe that she is gone, and I can only imagine the party she is having with our Lord and Savior. Ron I am so sorry for your loss, may the Lord hold you tightly in His arms and give you comfort.
rod and ilene lawrence says
Dear Ron and family,
Our hearts go out to you and with you during this
great loss of wife and mom. Janelle has been a
dear friend of ours since our college days at JWC.
Her sweet spirit, kindness, love for Jesus, love
for family, her beautiful smile were all such an
inspiration to us. We know you will miss her so
and we will be praying for you!! Rod and Ilene Lawrence
David Martin Stevens says
Our condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Janelle. She was a precious treasure to her family and friends, and to her heavenly Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones.” Psalm 116:15 NAS. I pray that God bless and release His goodness and presence over you all.
David and Linnet Stevens (JWC 1974-1976)
Wayne Uhrig says
Janelle was one of the kindest people I was fortunate to know. We met at John Wesley College around 1974. She always smiled, had fun, and was always in a great mood. Throughout ones life you often look back at the friendships you made and the ones you remember the most. Janelle always stood out as one I will remember the rest of my life.
Even though it’s too soon to be going home, Janelle will be one I will look for when I go home. I ask her family to please remember that Janelle was one of a kind.
The JWC family will always love you Janelle.
Sherica Grant says
I’m Free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard him call;
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way;
I found that place at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss;
Ah yes, these things, I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much;
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.
Perhaps my time seems all too brief;
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.
Author unknown
Ron and family God makes no mistakes know that she is in a better place and dont have to deal with the cares of this crazy world may God keep your family covered…
Sherica
kimberly stowers says
Janelle was a bright light to my day at FSSA. She talked of her beautiful family especially her granddaughters with such pride and love. She will missed. My prayer is that the family will have the peace that only Jesus Christ can provide during this trying time and that you all remember that you were so loved by her.
Bryan Hair says
I love my mother so much. She provided a wonderful home, she always made us feel important and that our thoughts and feelings were addressed. Our childhood was magical and full and the things you see in movies, a perfect fit for her holiday wonders. I’ve been blessed and feel honored to have known her. She has left a deep and profound impact on my life that I will continue on in her name. My mother had her things in place, i’s were dotted and the t’s were crossed…At the top was and is Christ, when that happens all other things in life fall into place. Thank You so much Momma! See you in Heaven, nice to know you are home!
Elizabeth Walker says
Janelle entered my life around 2005 and I have been blessed for having her a part of my life. It is always good to remember specifics about someone and I’m a firm believer that it is a blessing when you can cherish that memory. I cherish the way Janelle was willing to share her gift of creativity with others, especially during the holidays. What a God giving gift – she will be missed but the memory of her actions will be cherished. To Ron, her children and the other family members may Janelle and my God strengthen you during this grieving period. Love you.
Cindy Siegers says
We are so sorry for your loss. It is difficult to lose someone you love so much, even when you know that they are now in the presence of the Lord. May the love and care of others and the strength of the Lord be sensed by your family now and in the days to come!
Dave & Cindy Siegers
Pam Hearn says
I am so sorry for your loss. Such a sweet and welcoming individual. I always felt she understood what it was like to raise boys. I met her at Pleasant Run as a parent (probably in the office) and our 4 boys became good friends. Through the years we had a common bond in raising our sweet, mischievous middle sons. Ron, Brian, Nate and Bethany – I am praying for God’s comfort and the peace in knowing she is pain free, with her Lord and we will all see her again. Her wonderful legacy is her children and grandchildren. The world is a sadder place now but heaven has a new angel.
Kathy Rollins says
Janelle was one of the kindest individuals I have ever known. We went through caseworker training together. She was genuine. My deepest sympathies Ron and family.
Kathy (Hull) Rollins
Joni Wimmer says
There are no words to express . . .I loved Janelle dearly. . .remember we’ll see her again and that this isn’t a goodbye but a see you later! She loved each of you soooo very much, take comfort in that certainty!
Vicki Slater says
I am so grateful to have known Janelle while at John Wesley College. She was a sweet spirit and a precious saint. I pray you take comfort in knowing she touched many lives in her life. Blessings upon your family. Vicki Slater
terri timbrook says
Janelle, I will miss you. I loved working the same unit with you. I loved hearing about the treasures you and susan found at the yard sales. You were such a wonderful crafter, I remember all of us making Christmas decorations, and of yours were always unique and mine well not so much. LOL. I have been lucky to have contact with you in the recent years, and enjoyed when I worked in your office, and could chat with you. You my friend are a treasure. Ron, I hope you and the kids find some way to heal the loss of this remarkable person.
With thoughts and prayers, Terri Timbrook
Cynthia says
My GOD be with The Ron Hair family at this time of sorrow.
RIP/Rest in Peace, Janelle
Cynthia Coats
Keya Irby says
I met in 2007. You were one of the sweetest ladies that I ever encountered. You were the type of person that a person would never forget your smile and personality. You were very special person and will never be forgotten. My prayers are with Ron and your family!!
May you R.I.H
My Condolences
Keya Irby
Donna Phelps says
Dear Ron and children of Janelle, Bryan, Nathan and Bethany,
I am truly sorry for Janelle passing from our view. I feel blessed to have known her as she was a loving, Christian lady all her life and always considerate to all others around her always.
I pray Heavenly Father be with you at this sad time and comfort you and help you.
Some souls pass through this life time like a gentle summer rain, they touch our hearts and then return to Heaven once again.
Love,
Donna Phelps
Spring Lake, Mi.
Cheryl Clifton says
Dear Ron and family,
We are so sorry for your loss! We knew Janelle from John Wesley College. She was such a great friend to both of us. We once traveled to Chicago with Janelle and a couple of others to visit the art museum in her car she called Sherman. What a fun memory!
Gary was greatly honored to be a part of your wedding through music. We also have fond memories of visiting your home when our boys and your children were very young. Janelle was always very welcoming and a precious friend. We will miss her.
We are praying that God will comfort all of you and fill your hearts with His peace! Much love, Gary and Cheryl Clifton
Tamara Rascoe says
Dear Ron, Bryan, Nathan and Bethany
I had the pleasure of working many years with your wife/ mother at Brookside, and 3524 N Meridian. I also started in Marion County as an FSSA employee of Ron. Luckily I ended my career in the #250 unit. A wonderful group of woman and your mother was an inspiration and a part of a unique set of caseworkers. A gentle spirit, with a beautiful smile and a love for Jesus Christ. She loved the crafts and yard sales and helped me as I became a mother of boys and finally a daughter. It was always great seeing her and hearing stories about the kids and grandkids.