Janice Irene Gilreath, 91, went home to heaven on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Born June 26, 1935, in White Pigeon, Michigan, she was a daughter of the late Belmont and Myrtle (Holderman) Ott. She married Victor Gilreath; he preceded her in death on May 22, 2019.

She loved Jesus and was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church. She honorably served in the United States Navy before becoming a hairdresser and working in library services at Fort Wayne Community Schools and Concordia Lutheran High School. She was also a wonderful homemaker.

She loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was an avid Cubs fan, and enjoyed traveling with Victor. She loved reading, doing word searches, coloring with her gel pens, sewing and crafts. She enjoyed watching the birds through her window, especially the Hummingbirds. She loved all her fur babies and will be greatly missed by her beloved Angel and Maggie.

She is survived by her children, Bruce E. (Sandra) Gilreath, Marla J. (Jim) Voirol, Sandra K. Maloley, and Joe A. Gilreath; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and four nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Victor; brother, Gene Ott; sister, Sue Pyburn, sister-in-law, Loyce (Richard) Wenzel and a former son-in-law, Dabe P. Maloley.

Funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 800 Green St., New Haven, with calling one hour prior. Calling also from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the church. She will be laid to rest at Emanuel Lutheran Cemetery.

Preferred memorials are to the church or Worship Anew.