Janet Lee Kunick, 82, of Carlyle passed away Friday, February 24, 2023, at Carlyle Healthcare Center.
She was born on July 6, 1940, the daughter of Herby and Ruby (Charlton) Jones in Granite City. She married her sweetheart, Jerry Lee Kunick on June 7, 1958, in Granite City and he preceded her in death on November 30, 2015.
Survivors include her beloved family, children, Jeaneen Kidwell of Van Buren, Arkansas Jim (Brenda) Kunick of Sandoval, John (Dana) Kunick of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and Judi (Florence) Bolden of Austin, Texas; grandchildren, Katie Donmoyer (Jordan), Olivia Kidwell, Maggie Kidwell (Anthony Morgan ), Jeremy Kunick (Shylah), Bethany Beard (Nich), Brittany Purdy (George), Jennifer Busto, Ashley Wilson (Matt), Samantha Brenstein (Lance Bowers); great-grandchildren, Ruby Kate and Wells Donmoyer, Nora Morgan, Jace Thomas Kunick, Geo Purdy, Oaklynn Lucille Busto, Foster, Charlie Mae, Eloise Wilson; sister-in-law, Sandy (John) Chandler of Granite City; sister-in-law Jan Jones of Olathe, Kansas; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Along with her husband of 57 years, Jerry Kunick, Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Herby and Ruby Jones; her brothers William “Bill” Charlton and wife Phyl, and Jerry Jones; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Charles and Ann Kunick; her sister-in-law Shirley Dudenbostel and husband Marvin; her son-in-law, Jon Kidwell; and her nephews, Matthew Chandler, and Jerry Wayne Chandler
Janet believed in being active in her community. She was a District Sales Manager for Avon in Kentucky and Illinois for 25 years, retiring in 1996. In 1983, she was elected to the Avon Circle of Excellence, in 1986 she entered the Avon Hall of Fame in New York City. She was an honorary Kentucky Colonel. Janet was a lady of strong faith and a member of Bethel Baptist Church where she shared the light of Jesus as a Sunday school teacher and was president of Helping Hands. She was a former member of Carlyle Christian Church, playing an active role as a fellowship organizer and serving as president of the Carlyle Women’s Christian Fellowship. Janet was a former member of the Christian Women’s Club of Highland. Janet taught Sunday school in Granite City and was a GA Leader. She held many positions in the Christian Women’s Club in Highland. Janet was Queen Mother of the Red Hat Society in Carlyle and Alma. She was a Troup Leader and a Cub Scout Leader. Janet was a volunteer at St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary and Adopt a Duck. Janet was a motivational speaker and gave speeches as President of Helping Hands at the Bethel Baptist Church, also the Carlyle Christian Fellowship. She was a member of DAVA in Alma, Arkansas. Janet was a member of the National Research Team for MDA. Janet had a generous heart of gold and was always ready to give back. She was a welcome face while volunteering as a “pink lady” at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia. Janet’s “can do” attitude, endless energy, friendly spirit, and her love for her family will never be forgotten. Her proudest achievements were being a mother, grandmother, and a faithful daughter and wife.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at the Bethel Baptist Church with Pastor Josh Wolford officiating. Interment will follow at Peaceful Valley Cemetery in Odin. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the church on Wednesday. Memorials may be made in Janet’s honor to Bethel Baptist Church, or MDA. Online condolences and memories of Janet may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Day Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval is privileged to be assisting the family of Janet Kunick with arrangements.
