Janet Ruth Hanson

Janet Ruth Hanson, 92 of Cheboygan, MI, passed away on March 11, 2025, in Savannah, GA surrounded by her loved ones.

Janet was born on September 4, 1932, in Bay City, MI, the daughter of Benjamin Haut and Norma Schultz. Janet started school in Cheboygan at age 8, graduating as Valedictorian from Cheboygan High School in 1950. On January 19, 1952, she married Gerald Hanson in Lansing, MI.

Janet was incredibly involved with her family and community. She served as secretary of Cheboygan Historical Society and was also on the board. She was a docent, or guide, for the Historical Society as well. Janet proudly served as a Brownie Leader when her children and grandchildren were members. She also was an interim secretary at Cheboygan ISD. When Janet wasn’t working or volunteering for her community, she led a busy and vibrant life. Janet was expressive and creative, with a wide variety of hobbies including stained glass, sewing, cross country skiing, puzzles, writing poetry, and playing piano, to name a few. She also enjoyed indulging her family in delicious foods, most notably her famous homemade chicken and noodles and bread. Her family meant the world to her, and she always took the opportunity to spend time with them, whether it was wintering at their Florida home or gathering around the table to reminisce, Janet was always there to share laughs and wisdom.

Janet was a shining light in the lives of all that knew her. Her journey on this earth was marked by love, compassion and unwavering faith in God. Her spirit will continue to inspire and guide all that knew her. She was often quoted, saying, “It is never a futile thing to be kind to one another.” Janet was truly the matriarch of her family, and they meant the world to her.

Janet is survived by her children Joy (Doyle) Wood, Jeannie (Rick) Kolb, Jeff (Kristie) Hanson, and Jill (Keith) Moore, grandchildren Ryan Eustice, Janae (Jay) Russell, Charla (Zac) Burill, Jessica (Pitch) Powers, Callie (Matt) Barr, Jennifer Lucas, Karrah (Carmine) Cesario, Molly (James) Jonna, Erik (Jeremy) Hanson, Mackenzie (Justin) Steele, 30 great-grandchildren with one more on the way, siblings Delores King, Charlene McNitt, Wayne Haut, and Randy Haut, and her beloved dog, Buddy.

She was preceded in death by her parents and in laws, her husband Gerald Hanson, son Jerry Lee Hanson, grandson Zachary Scott Wood, as well as siblings Lois Coy, Marilyn Witbeck, Howard Haut, and Glen Haut.

A celebration of life for Janet will take place at the Nordman Christian Funeral Home in Cheboygan, MI, on Saturday April 19. Visitation will be held at 1pm, with a funeral at 2pm. Burial will be at Pinehill Cemetery.

Anyone wishing to make a charitable contribution in memory of Janet should consider the Cheboygan Historical Society or the Humane Society of Cheboygan.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Janet Ruth Hanson, please visit our floral store.