Janice Kathleen Dobb's Obituary
Janice Kathleen Dobb entered into her Savior’s presence Sunday, March 23, 2025 at the age of 86. Jan loved the Lord first, was proud of her large family, served her church in a variety of ways, and is known for her hospitality and generosity. She was born May 16, 1938 in Ellsworth, MI to Richard and Janet (Kooyer) Doctor. She moved as a child to Fruitport, MI where she lived on a farm on Quarterline Road with the outhouse fiercely guarded by King Hamilton, the rooster. Though she lived in the Muskegon area the rest of her life, she spent the majority of her years in the Roosevelt Park/Norton Shores community. At Olivet Evangelical Free Church, Jan met the love of her life, Larry J. Dobb. Sitting in alphabetical order at Muskegon High School, Jan would forge Larry’s mother’s signature when he would skip classes. So it was natural to become “Mrs. Dobb” when they were married on June 28, 1958. They enjoyed 56 years together before Larry passed away in April of 2015. In the early years, Jan was a busy mother and homemaker. Later, Jan proudly represented Dobb Printing as part of the sales department. Larry and Jan led lively and meaningful youth group activities for many years and hosted missionaries and visiting speakers in their home as well as large Women’s Ministry events. In later years, they hosted spontaneous pool parties for grandkids and their friends. Jan famously whipped up a batch of her chocolate chip bars on the spot, served with plenty of green kool aid. Jan led women’s Bible studies and served at the church welcome center. Larry and Jan traveled the USA and the world, taking each of their children’s families on a cruise of their choosing. They cherished many long friendships: coffee after Sunday evening service, trips, New Year’s Eve gatherings, cozy dinners and more. Even in her last weeks, Jan had friends regularly in her home, cooking and entertaining to the very end.
Jan was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and one brother, Richard Doctor.
Survivors include children: Deb (Ken) Krispin, Mike (Tammi) Dobb, Joe (Shari) Dobb, Jim (Mary) Dobb, Kathi (Dave) Jones, and Brenda (RJ) Paprocki; grandchildren: Sarah (Ben), Andy (Jackie), Paul (Kelly), Anna (Garrett), Heidi, Nick, Derek, Becca (Jimmy), Rachel (Xander), Emma, Matt (Greta), Jake, Luke, Leah (Ryan), David (Devin), Kaleigh (Joel), Nicole (Brad), Mindy, Cody (Jessica), Jake (Emmalee), Haylee (Allan) and Erin; twenty-four-plus great grandchildren; siblings: Gerald (Judith) Doctor, Virginia Blackwell-Roe (late Dave), Stanley Doctor, and sister-in-law, Paula Doctor. Brothers and sisters-in-law: Tom (Po) Dobb, Tim Dobb (late Marcia), Pat (Patricia) Dobb.
A service will be held Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 11:00 am (EST) at Olivet Evangelical Free Church with Rev. Randy Jenkins officiating. Visitation will be at 10:00 am prior to the funeral. Burial will take place with the family at Norton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Olivet Evangelical Free Church or the Muskegon Rescue Mission. Please sign the family's online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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