Janet Dines

DINES --- Janet Smith Bell Dines passed away in Grand Rapids on December 10. She is preceded in death by her husband, Frank Lawrence Dines, and her sister, Isabelle Blankenship. Janet was born July 28, 1923, in Battle Creek. She met her husband, Frank, while working at Kellogg Company and moved to Kalamazoo in 1952. She worked for many years as a medical assistant for several doctors including Dr. John Neerken. She retired at age 62 from the English Department at Western Michigan University. After retirement, Janet kept busy with a variety of volunteer positions including Hospice, Hospitality House, Shepherd's Center, and Senior Services. She enjoyed reading, cooking for friends, gardening, walking her dogs and Lake Michigan. She always had a ready smile, kind word and a consistently optimistic attitude throughout her life. She will be missed by her daughter Becky Dines Pierce (David Fox), of Rockford; grandson, Sam Pierce, of Big Rapids; niece, Janet Ann (Tom) Hayes and nephew, John Blankenship, of Battle Creek; great niece, Debi (Cliff) Hayes-Gerwig, of Allegan; great nephew, Todd (Kate and son, Nathan) Hayes, of NC; and lifelong best friend, Evelyn (Richard) Raber, of Battle Creek. The family wishes to express deep gratitude for the wonderful, loving care provided to Janet for the past eight years where she made her home at Heartland Health Care on the Beltline. Cremation has taken place per her request. A private memorial service is planned. Burial is at Mount Ever Rest Cemetery. Donations may be made to Paws With a Cause in Wayland. Friends may leave messages for the family at www.avinkcremation.com.