Janet Elaine (Crittenden) Gorton, age 85, of Gladstone, formerly of Macon, MI, passed away peacefully Friday, August 28, 2020 in Gladstone.
Janet was born in Ridgeway, Michigan, February 1, 1935, to Lewis and Margaret (Pennington) Crittenden. On February 13, 1954, she was united in marriage to Charles E. “Bud” Gorton at the Macon United Methodist Church, by the Rev. H. Vaughn Whited. Bud and Janet began dating after becoming better acquainted in the Methodist Youth Group. They were members of the church and loved to sing in the choir. Janet worked at a variety of jobs, retiring in 1990 from Faraday in Tecumseh, but her number one occupation was always caring for her family.
Back in the day, Janet and Bud enjoyed snowmobiling, playing cards, and traveling the country in their pickup camper. She loved to play piano (by ear) and work on jigsaw puzzles in the winter, preferring to be out in her garden, enjoying her flowers, and sitting on the patio watching the world go by in warm weather. Janet was all about being with family and loved to get together as often as possible.
Janet is survived by two adopted children, Dan (Betty) Gorton of Holland, Mich., and Cathy Rafferty of Gladstone, Mich; four grandchildren, Derek (Kim) Atkinson of Onsted, Tawny Gorton of Mt. Pleasant, Tim Rafferty of Grand Rapids, and Steve Rafferty of Kalamazoo; and her great-grandchildren. Sisters Judy Yates of Saline, Patsy (Larry) Aiken of Manchester; sister-in-law Judy Crittenden of Tecumseh; brother-in-law William (Gerry) Gorton of Britton; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her dear husband of 60 years, Bud, on December 25, 2014. Also her parents, brothers Jack and Jerry Crittenden, a great grandson, a niece, twin nephews, and her parents-in-law Charles and Alice Gorton.
At her request cremation will take place followed by a family graveside service to inter her ashes along with her husband’s at the Macon Cemetery at a later date. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Gorton family.
Pam Thorbahn - Gladstone, MI
Cathy and family, I’m sorry I never got to meet and know your Mom. Always saw her sitting out watching traffic and the bay.
Brian - East Lansing, MI
Cathy, I was saddened to hear of you Mom’s passing. I will always remember her as a genuinely warm and lively soul–and will never see someone blowing kisses without remembering her farewells. Praying for peace for you, Tim, Steve, Dan and all who will miss her.
Phyllis Ross - Tecumseh, Mi
To Cathy and family of Janet, so sorry for your loss, Janetwas a verysweet, caring person always, I enjoyed having a “chat” with her when she lived here in Tecumseh, she will be missed. We also, Terry & Phyllis Ross, remember her and Bud being a member of Macon Methodist church, and seeing them up in the choir. Blessiings to all of Janet’s family.
Sincerely, Phyllis & Terry Ross
terry hicks - britton, mi
I am sorry for lost dan&cathy i went school and rode same bus
Kathy Applegate - Charlevoix, MI
Thinking of you Cathy, Tim and Steve. I will always treasure that last visit on the porch. Deepest sympathy for the loss of a lovely mom and grandma.