Janet Lee McLeod

Janet Lee McLeod (Winer), affectionately known as Jan, age 66, passed away peacefully but unexpectedly at her home in Battle Creek, Michigan, on April 17, 2025. Jan was born in Battle Creek on March 12, 1959, to parents Virginia "Ginny" Gardner and William "Bill" Winer. Kent Rawlins, who entered her life later, lovingly embraced the role of father in every meaningful way.

Jan shared 45 years of marriage with her best friend and husband, Ronald "Red" McLeod. Their steadfast commitment created a resilient, devoted family that supported one another when and where it mattered most. Red deeply loved Jan; his life was profoundly shaped by knowing her and is forever changed by losing her. In recent years, he showed exceptional love and care while supporting her through significant health challenges.

Jan was an extraordinarily loving and fiercely dedicated mother to her one and only child, daughter Kira (Ronnie) Jones, and an adored grandmother to Gavin and Trenton "Trent" Jung. Her daughter and grandsons were the absolute center of her universe, and anyone who knew her could speak to how she lit up with love and pride whenever she talked about them. She often said they were her greatest achievements, and she poured herself into their lives with relentless devotion. Her son-in-law, Ronnie, was not just a son-in-law to her, she regarded him as her son in every way, and she loved him deeply.

Jan deeply cherished her older sister, Shelley (David) Steinmiller, who held a uniquely special place in her heart. Jan also lovingly embraced her sister-in-law Cathy Winer as a true sister and warmly valued her younger sister Gina Bunch and stepbrother Jerry (Peggy) Stacy. She treasured numerous beloved sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, many of whom she viewed as true siblings. Jan celebrated the accomplishments and milestones of her many nieces and nephews with genuine joy, even from afar.

To know Jan was to be welcomed, encouraged, and loved like family. Over the years, she became a second mother to many—friends of her daughter, extended family, and even those who simply happened into her orbit. She had a gift for making people feel safe, seen, and accepted. Her heart had no boundaries, and her home was often a refuge of comfort, warmth, and unconditional love.

Jan is preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Ginny and Kent Rawlins; her father and stepmother, Bill and Dee Winer; her beloved brother, Scott Winer; and her step-granddaughter, Alexis Jones (Lexi).

Jan's life was a beautiful testament to unconditional love, compassion, and boundless generosity. Her infectious laughter, radiant smile, and nurturing presence brought warmth and joy to every room she entered and every heart she touched. She consistently placed others' needs above her own, tirelessly sacrificing to ensure her loved ones felt supported, celebrated, and cherished. Jan was known for bringing people together, genuinely encouraging and celebrating the victories of others, making everyone around her feel special and valued.

Her compassion extended deeply into her love for animals, especially dogs. She held a special affection for pit bulls and believed strongly in their fair judgment and kind treatment. To know Jan was to love her and a genuine privilege; merely being in her presence made one a better person. She was a luminous guiding light, the quiet strength and heart of her family's successes, and an unwavering source of pride and support in every challenge.

The world is unquestionably dimmer without Jan's radiant spirit; her extraordinary legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering dedication will forever resonate in the hearts and lives of all who knew her.

• A celebration of Jan’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Vale Street Venue, located at 1745 E Columbia Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49014. We will gather to honor and celebrate the rare light of Jan’s spirit over a shared meal and cherished stories—just as she would have wanted. Anyone who feels moved to speak is warmly invited to share a few words.
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• In lieu of flowers, donations in Jan’s memory may be made to support two causes close to her heart. Thanks to the generosity of family and friends, a memorial tree will be planted in her honor at Leila Arboretum. All additional contributions made through the original fundraiser will now go to the Alano Club of Battle Creek, a nonprofit Recovery Community Center supporting individuals and families affected by addiction.

  Jan was a passionate believer in recovery and carried deep pride in her daughter’s journey and work in the field.

  🌳 To donate to the memorial fund: https://angelink.com/fundraiser-public/2be2bd9c-6ae3-44fb-8cb6-67655e91c5f9

  🖥️ Or donate directly to the Alano Club at: alanoclubbc.org/memberships-and-donations (Please include “In Memory of Jan McLeod” in the memo.)