Janice Stevens

Janice Stevens, 64, of St. Joseph, MI passed away Thursday, September 20, 2018 at her home.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M., Friday, September, 28, 2018 at Saron Lutheran Church, 510 Main St., St. Joseph with Pastor Joan Oleson officiating. Inurnment will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens. Friends may visit from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Thursday, September 27, 2018 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph or Friday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service. Memorials may be made to Saron Lutheran Church or the Berrien County Cancer Service. Those wishing to share a memory online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com  Janice was born May 5, 1954 in Evansville, IN to Lester & Violet (Nelson) Hinkel. She attended Central Michigan University earning her Bachelor’s degree in education and continued her education with a Master’s Degree from Michigan State University. On July 22, 1978 she married Adrian “Keith” Stevens in St. Joseph. Janice taught at Benton Harbor Elementary Schools and retired after 33 years of teaching. Janice was an active member of Saron Lutheran Church where she was involved with the Outreach Committee, the Soup Kitchen, played the bells, and was involved with the Southwest Michigan Human Trafficking Program. Janice enjoyed walking, gardening, and going to the beach. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, and treasured her friendships. Janice was a strong supporter of the community. She would cheer on the St. Joseph High School athletic and music departments, participate in the Crop Walk, collect back-to-school items for local schools, volunteer at local blood drives, and cheer on her grandsons at all their school and sporting events.  Janice is survived by her husband Keith Stevens of 40 years; daughter Carolyn (Kirk) Mason; son Peter (Kari) Stevens; three grandchildren Luke Joseph Mason, Graham Henry Mason and Blake Alexander Stevens; two sisters Marilyn (Alan) Anderson and Phyllis (Robert) Kraunz; and mother-in-law Lee Stevens. Janice was preceded in death by her parents and father-in-law.