Janice Umbenhaur

Janice “Jan” Umbenhaur, 58, of Benton Harbor, passed away Sunday, March 24, 2013 at her home. A Celebration of Jan’s Life will be held from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Friday April 19, 2013 at the Fraternal Order of Police Blossomland Lodge #100, 100 Diller Rd., Benton Harbor. A private service and burial will be held at a later date at Lincoln Township Cemetery in Stevensville. Memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund, or to Blossomland FOP 100. Those wishing to share a memory of Janice online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Jan was born June 12, 1954 in St. Joseph, MI to Raymond & Lela (Straughan) Ruhl Sr. She graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1972 and obtained an Associate’s Degree from Lake Michigan College. Jan worked for the Benton Harbor Police Department for 14 years with most of that time spent as a dispatcher and was also an Executive Secretary at Fair Plain West Elementary School for over 15 years during her working for the Benton Harbor Area Schools. Jan was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Blossomland Lodge #100 for over 40 years. She was the second female president of the Lodge and at the time of her death was Treasurer. In her spare time she enjoyed writing, painting, pottery, and sculpting. Most of all, she loved her dogs that she rescued and gave them a good home. She loved Police work and ice hockey, especially the Detroit Redwings. Jan is survived by her husband Bob Umbenhaur of Benton Harbor; and brother Gary Ruhl of Baroda. Jan was preceded in death by her parents.