Janice Herrema

Janice Lee Herrema, age 84, of Katy, TX died at her home in Katy, Texas on Thursday, April 27, 2017. She was ready to be with Jesus and was at peace. Janice was born June 30, 1932 in Naola, Virginia to Arthur A. and Eva (Crouch) Horton. She moved to Michigan in 1943 and graduated Valedictorian from Portage High School in 1950. On December 15, 1950, she married her high school sweetheart, Vernon Newhouse. Vern died tragically on August 31, 1963. She re-married September 14, 1968 to John H. Herrema. He passed away April 1, 2003. Janice loved her church in Scotts, Scotts United Methodist Church, and her friends there. When she moved to Texas after living in Michigan most of her life in January 2013, she became a member of Grace Fellowship United Methodist Church. She loved to spend time with her family, enjoyed her pets, to travel, swim and was a voracious reader. For 23 years, Janice worked for The Upjohn Company (Pfizer), after working for Portage Public Schools for five years. She had a strong desire to complete a college degree and in 1987 received an Associate of Arts Degree from KVCC. She is survived by her three children Randall Newhouse, Russell (Shar) Newhouse and Frances (Jeff) White; two step-children David (Vicky) Herrema and Daniel (Linda) Herrema; 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; one sister, Anne Gillespie; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Eva, her husband's Vern and John, one step-son, Paul Herrema, and 8 brothers and sisters. Also her close friend Jane (Melvin) Bradshaw and sister-in-law, Ruby Herrema, whom were both cared for by Janice during their illnesses. After they passed away, she moved to Texas to live with her daughter and son-in- law. Janice was loved by so many, and highly regarded by her family and friends. A memorial service celebrating Janice's life will be at 1:00PM on Friday August 25, 2017 at Langeland Family Funeral Home, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave. A private family burial will be held in Portage Central Cemetery. Memorials in Janice's memory may be directed to the Scotts United Methodist Church.