Janet K. (Richer) Benoit

Janet was born in Escanaba on July 12, 1939, daughter of Myrtle (Hendrickson) and Arthur Servant.

She graduated from Escanaba High School, Class of 1957. Throughout her high school years, she enjoyed being a cheerleader.

On Sept. 6, 1958, she married Gerald Richer at St Anne’s Parish in Escanaba. They made their home in Schaffer and had one daughter, Sandy. They were married almost 30 years until his death in 1988.

Janet was active in Jerry’s racing career. She was always helping in the garage with whatever he needed to keep the car looking good for the next race. They also loved their dogs, spending time at camp and snowmobiling with family and friends. She was an avid Detroit Lion, Tiger and Pistons fan. She also enjoyed NASCAR, especially watching Dale Earnhardt.

Janet cooked at BR-H Schools for 26 years. The fun had in that kitchen was well heard all throughout the school. Many laughs were enjoyed. She retired when she met the love of her life, Clarence Benoit of Escanaba. They were married in 1999 at St Anne’s Parish in Escanaba. She was so fortunate to meet such a loving man. Together they liked bowling, golfing and dancing. Clarence passed away in 2013.

Janet is survived by her daughter, Sandy (Joe) Derouin of Bark River; their children, Brooke (David) Vermullen of Grand Rapids and Bryce (Eden Laase) of Marquette; brother, Jon Servant of Escanaba; sisters-in-law, Julie Servant of Brampton and Karen Richer, of Escanaba; brothers-in-law, Allan (Janet) Richer, Roger Richer, Mike (Pam) Richer, Joe (Nancy) Richer, all of Bark River; and Tom Noon of Menominee, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Also among survivors are Clarence’s seven children, Barb (Dennis Zanetti) Taetsch, of St. Clair Shores, Mich., Mike (Colleen) Benoit of Kenosha, Wis., Bonnie (Dennis) Koenig of Highland Beach, Fla., Peggy (Mike) Fleming of Bakersfield, Calif., Dean (Kathy) Benoit of Orland Park, Ill., Rick (Lisa) Benoit of Escanaba and Penny Erickson of Gladstone, Mich.; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Art and Myrtle Servant; step-dad, Norman Tebear; special mother-in-law, Carmel Richer, and father-in-law, Joe Richer; brother, Wayne Servant; sisters-in-law, Marlene Servant, Mary Peterson and Darlene Noon; brothers-in-law, Art Richer and Bub Richer; nephew, Ricky Peterson; and niece, Jodi Peterson.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 8, at St Anne’s Church in Escanaba from 4 to 6 p.m. EST. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 6 p.m. with Rev. Fran DeGroot officiating. A meal will follow in the church hall.

Janet’s family would like to thank UPHS Hospice for their loving care. Also, special friends Margaret Viau, Sandra Derouin, Mary Smith, Paula Derouin, Jean Isetts and crew for everything you did in helping us through this journey.  

A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting crawfordfuneralhomes.net.