Janet Lee Newman, 59, of Battle Creek passed away suddenly on Monday morning, January 14, 2013. She was born in Battle Creek on October 26, 1953 the loving daughter of Donald D. and Martha Frances (Hayes) Graves. Over the years, Janet faithfully served in various positions at the St. Joseph Catholic School while also being a very dedicated wife, mother and loved being a grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her family, shopping, crocheting and all types of arts & crafts.
Janet married the “love of her life”, James L. “Jim” Newman, in Battle Creek on June 12, 1971; he survives. She is also survived by her mother, Martha Graves of Battle Creek; her children, Anthony Newman, Sally (Ken) MacPhee and Stacy (Mike) Lightfoot, all of Battle Creek; her grandchildren, Alex & Ethan Newman, Gracie & Grant MacPhee, Brady, Brogan, Josh & Taylor Lightfoot; her father-in-law, Louis Newman and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and her wonderful “Newman Clan”. Janet was preceded in death by her grandparents; her father, Donald D. Graves and her mother-in-law, Margaret Ann Newman.
At the request of the family, they will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 17, 2013 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home where the Parish Rosary will be recited at 7:00p.m., Thursday. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 18, 2013 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 61 North 23rd Street, Battle Creek with The Very Rev. Father Mark J. Vyverman, Celebrant. Memorials directed to the St. Vincent DePaul Society or the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.