Janice Mae DeYoung

She was born on April 9, 1948, in Mount Pleasant, Michigan to Mildred Eleanor (Collard) Merrifield and John Henry Merrifield. She graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1966. In 1970, she went on her first date with Tom to a Michigan-Michigan State football game and the two fell fast in love. On January 15, 1972, they were married in Mount Pleasant and went on to raise three smart, beautiful, and loving daughters, Lynn, Julie, and Katie, in Grandville, Michigan.

Jan was a devoted wife, loving mother, and doting grandmother to her seven grandchildren. She was a dedicated file clerk at Rhoades McKee, retiring after 50 years. Many of her lifelong friends were co-workers at the law firm. She was always on the go, enjoying her grandchildren’s sporting and music events, family gatherings at the river, finding special gifts for those she loved, playing card games (some of which she made up the rules), and volunteering. She is remembered for her special spark and honesty.

She is survived by her adoring husband, Thomas Lynn DeYoung, of Grandville, Michigan; daughters Lynn (Jay) Budd of Traverse City, Michigan, Julie (Cory) Whitaker of Culver, Indiana, and Katie (Brad) Arnold of Oak Park, Illinois; grandchildren Andrew Budd, Sarah Budd, Matthew Budd, Jaren Whitaker, Reagan Whitaker, Henry Arnold, and Alexis Arnold; sister, Karen Sageman; siblings-in-law Janice R. DeYoung, Gary (Becky) DeYoung, Betsy (Tom) Jenison, and Kathy Merrifield; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other special people.

She was preceded in death by her parents John and Mildred Merrifield; sister, Nadine (Jack) Voisin; brother, John “Pete” Merrifield; and parents-in-law H. Tom and Ruth DeYoung.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Monday, October 12, 2026, and again from 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, October 13 at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418. A celebration of life will take place 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Cook Memorial Chapel following visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider a memorial contribution to Grandville Senior Neighbors by going online at https://seniorneighbors.org. Any additional donations will be put towards an education fund for her grandchildren.

The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.