Janet K. Horton

Janet K. Horton, 52, of Benton Harbor, passed away Thursday, November 28, 2013 at her home, in her husband’s arms, surrounded by her loving family, following a long battle with cancer. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. Richard Sing officiating. Burial for the family will follow Thursday at Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Twelve Corners Community Church Building Fund. Those wishing to sign Janet’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Janet was born May 9, 1961 in St. Paul, Minnesota. She moved to St. Joseph with her family, and graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1979. Janet studied at Lake Michigan College and became a dental assistant, a career that lasted for 33 years, most recently working for Brian Smith DDS. She was also employed as a server at Four Winds Casino since it opened. On February 2, 2002, she married Raymond G. Horton in Benton Harbor. Janet was an avid pool player in the Valley Pool League, of which she won Michigan State Champion in 2003. She enjoyed following sports, especially the Minnesota Vikings, riding her motorcycle, and spending time with her extended family of friends. Janet is survived by her husband Raymond; three sons-Stefan Horton of Ocala, FL, John (Sarah) Horton of Stevensville, Alexander (Fiancee Kaitlin Thumm) Horton of Benton Harbor; two grandchildren-Lacey Horton & Anneliese Horton; her mother Irene Wittsche of St. Paul, MN; her brother Paul Gardner of St. Paul, MN; two brothers-in-law Richard (Arlene) Horton of Kalamazoo, David Horton of Bonita Springs, FL; several nieces & nephews; friends too numerous to mention; and her feline companion Ellie Mae. She was preceded in death by her father Leo Wittsche.