Janet M. (Helfrich) Grimes began her eternal life on July 14, 2025. Janet was born on June 4, 1944, in Dixon, IL. Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas L. Grimes, Sr, parents, Leroy, and Tressa (Woodyatt) Helfrich, her stepfather, William Docter, sister, Donna (Helfrich) Halfacre and life-long best friend, Mary Lou Smith. Janet is survived by one sister, Sandy (Helfrich) Steder of Dixon, IL, two sons, Thomas L. Jr (Mary) Grimes of Dixon, IL, and David A (Victoria) Grimes of Dixon, KY. Janet has 6 grandchildren, including Devin, Michael, Tara, Ben, Emily, and Dreyton and 5 great grandchildren.
Anybody who knew Janet would be immediately struck by her terrific sense of humor and love for her husband who began his eternal journey in October of 2023. They were sweethearts since high school! She took great pride in her family and counted it one of life's greatest gifts that she was able to play a role in raising her grandchildren. Many of her favorite times include her grandchildren. Janet attended several area churches over the years, including Fifth Avenue Baptist, Creston Baptist, Hillcrest Baptist, General Baptist, and Harvest Baptist Church. Janet taught Sunday school for several years in the local churches she was part of. She loved chocolate covered peanuts and WWE wrestling! Janet loved the color purple, which makes it easy to understand why her favorite flower was a Lilac, which is known as a symbol for love and new beginnings. She leaves behind a Christian family that is celebrating this new beginning and return to the love of her life.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025 at the Unger Horner Funeral Home, 400 N 6th St., Rochelle.  Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m.  Burial at Trinity Memory Gardens.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Serenity Hospice and Home. Guest book at www.UngerHorner.com