Janet M. Hilmes

Janet Hilmes of Loveland, Colorado passed away on May 15, 2022 at her home after courageously battling many illnesses over the last few years. Janet was born June 13, 1944, in St. Louis, Missouri to Robert and Rosemary (Demuth) Halcomb. She met her husband, Donald, while they were both working at Boatman’s National Bank in St. Louis. Janet and Donald were married on November 23, 1968, in St. Louis, but made their home in Highland, Illinois.

In Highland, Janet and Don raised two children, Marsha, and James. Janet was a full-time mom and school volunteer. She chaperoned numerous school fieldtrips, helped with bake sales, shuttled kids to sporting events, was a Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader and was willing to help with any activity where she was needed. Her home was always filled with kids baking cookies, playing, and doing crafts. Janet was also active in the service organization Beta Sigma Phi where she met many close friends. After the kids were in school, Janet went back to work and held many positions ranging from teacher’s aide to office manager and finally found her passion in human resources. It was there that she was able to work her magic connecting with people and helping them grow.

When Don and Janet retired, they decided to move west to Colorado where they had vacationed many times. Janet loved the mountains and wildlife. In Colorado, they settled in Loveland and made wonderful new friends. They began volunteering with KidsPak, an organization that delivers food to schools for weekend meals for children in need. Kids were always special to Janet, but none more than her three grandchildren. She loved spoiling them and spending time baking, reading, having tea parties, attending concerts and school events, or just snuggling in the chair. Janet also enjoyed spending time in her craft room making flower arrangements, photo books and holiday decorations. Janet and Don traveled to many locations with several cruises to Alaska and family trips to Disney World being the highlights. Close to home, Janet’s favorite place to spend time was in Estes Park where she could enjoy the mountains.

Janet had a strong faith in God and was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Fort Collins. She will now be at rest and in the light of Christ. Janet is survived by her husband Donald of Loveland, her daughter Marsha (Mark) Robinson of Fort Collins, her son James (Stephanie) Hilmes of St. Charles, Missouri and her grandchildren Jessica Robinson, Leah Hilmes and Alexander Hilmes. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Robert Halcomb Jr.

Funeral Mass will be held 1:00 pm Friday, May 27, 2022 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Fort Collins. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to service. Burial will be 3:00 pm in Grandview Cemetery, Fort Collins. Because Janet loved the color purple, we encourage attendees to wear something purple.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Fort Collins, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, KidsPak of Loveland, or Pathways Hospice.