Janet Gates

Passed away on Friday, May 18, 2018 at Borgess Medical Center at the age of 83. Janet was born in Pavillion Twp. On October 1, 1934, the daughter of the late, Clifford C. and Leah B. (Ford) Foust. She was married to Robert P. Standish on February 16, 1952, who divorced. She and Robert shared five children together, Rebecca S. (Clyde) Darasko, Robert P. Standish II, Robin L. (Ken) Warren and Christopher J. (Peggy) Standish, and Tanya J. Standish. Janet later married Joseph Stanley Gates, whom she shared three children with, Steven E. (Karen) Gates and twins, Brian Stanley and Keith Charles who preceded her in death as infants. Janet had three step-children from her marriage with Joe, Joey and Mike Gates and son, Mark who preceded in death. Surviving are her six children; twelve grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; and her sister, Nancy L. (Donald F.) Williams. She was preceded in death by her great-grandson, Christian Charles; sister, Phyllis A. (Luther "Jack") Shafer, brother, Earl (Shirley) Foust and an infant brother, David J. Foust. Janet was a remarkable and much loved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was the strength and support of the family and always available to share and listen. She enjoyed gardening and tending to flowers. She loved to make yearly trips to Frankenmuth and Turkeyville. Janet will also be missed by her beloved dog Sunshine. Friends may visit with the family from 1 - 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Following the visitation the funeral service will be held in the funeral chapel at 2 p.m. officiated by Rev. James Dyke. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society. Please visit Janet's personalized web page at www.langelands.com to sign the online guest book or leave a message for the family.