Janet Lee Kibby

Janet Lee Kibby, age 80, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2020 in Traverse City. She was born on the family farm homesteaded by her great grandfather, J.R. Fouch, in Elmwood Township on March 19, 1940, one of nine children to John and Anna (Watkoski) Fouch. On May 16, 1964, in Traverse City at Immaculate Conception Church, she married Charles “Neal” Kibby, who survives. Janet graduated from Traverse City Central High School and went on to attend Davenport Institute in Grand Rapids from 1958 to1959. Her professional career began as a Sales Representative for Michigan Bell from 1962 to 1967, the Cheboygan Tribune from 1988 to 1989, and lastly working in clerical for the Traverse City Record Eagle from 1989 until retiring in 2000. But from 1966 and for the next twenty years, her greatest and most rewarding job was as a homemaker and mother to her sons, Bryan and Brent. In addition to her family, Janet also loved gardening and yard work, walking, and playing some golf, but never scoring better than “double par.” She enjoyed most sports, especially college football, basketball, hockey, and baseball. She became a loyal Chicago Cubs fan after moving to Iowa in 1977, but always was a Detroit Tigers fan from early childhood. Janet is survived by her husband, Neal; sons, Bryan (Lisa) Kibby of Ft. Madison, IA and Brent (Rebecca) Kibby of Midland, MI; grandchildren, Jordon, Austin and Bryce Kibby; step-grandchildren, Danielle Dear and Ryan Peters; step-great-grandchildren, Miles, Julian and Amani Dear and Tatum and Ryker Peters; and brothers, John (Jeri), Jerry, Jud (Theresa), and Jay, all of Traverse City. She was preceded in death by her father in 1965, her mother in 1977, and three sisters, Joann Mathison, Joy Gray, Jackie Carlson, and infant brother. A private family gathering will take place at Reyonlds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Janet will be laid to rest at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens following the gathering. A memorial service for Janet will take place on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at 10:00 AM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Traverse City. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1050 Peninsula Drive, Traverse City, MI 49686, or Safe Harbor of Grand Traverse, 517 Wellington Street, Traverse City, MI 49686.

Janet Lee Kibby

March 19, 1940 - April 11, 2020