Janice LaRue Gerdes

Janice LaRue Gerdes, born on August 8, 1935, passed away peacefully at her home on August 5, 2026, surrounded by her beloved family. She lived a life filled with love, laughter, and an unwavering dedication to her family Janice was the cherished daughter of Thomas and Helen Watters, and she was a loving sister to her late siblings: Dolores Edwards, Tommye Demoss, Nancy Rickels Miller Halter, and Lyle Watters. Her upbringing was steeped in warmth and togetherness, values that she carried throughout her life. A devoted mother, Janice is survived by her five children, who were the light of her life: Karmen Reed and her husband Steve, Steven Hamilton and his wife Linda, Dan Hamilton, Melody Thompson and her husband John, and Doug Hamilton and his wife Sandee. Her legacy of kindness and compassion continues through them and the countless lives she touched. Janice's life was a testament to strength and resilience, traits she demonstrated with grace. Her family remembers her as a woman of quiet strength, whose gentle words and thoughtful actions left a lasting impact. Janice had a passion for drawing and was very talented at painting beautiful pictreswhere she found peace and joy, In honoring Janice's memory, her family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Research Association, an organization close to her heart, located in Saint Clair Shores, MI. As we celebrate Janice's life, we cherish the memories and the loving legacy she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.