Janis M. Gillis

Janis M. Gillis, age 87 of Lerna, IL passed away at 2:02 PM, Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at Heartland Senior Living in Neoga, IL. A funeral service in her honor will be held at noon, Monday, December 11, 2023, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, located at 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. A committal service will immediately follow in Janesville Cemetery, Janesville, IL. The visitation will be held the same day from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. Janis was born on August 12, 1936, in Glen Dean, KY to the late Steve and Annie (Lucas) Critchelow. She married Loren Ray Gillis on April 27, 1957, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Mattoon, IL; he survives. She is survived by their three children: Karen A. Skidis and husband Richard of Sullivan, IL; Kevin R. Gillis and wife Janice of Jewett, IL, Julie L. Ames and husband Gary of Lerna, IL; nine grandchildren: Chad A. Gillis and wife Christy of Lerna, IL, Chris R. Gillis and wife Kelly of Lovington, IL, Sean S. Gillis (Ary) of Shreveport, LA, Aaron M. Skidis and wife Laura of St. Louis, MO, Rich D. Skidis of Sterling, VA, Heather R. Skidis of Bonaire, GA, Megan L. Ames (John Fear) of Effingham, IL, Nathan A. Ames of Mattoon, IL, Cory J. Ames and wife Catherine of Mayfield, KY; fifteen great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren and one on the way; and two dear friends, Edna Probst and Sharon Turner. She was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Heidi Skidis Hudson; and one brother, William A. Critchelow. Janis was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Mattoon, IL. She was employed as the secretary for the Foreign Language Department at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL, later retiring in 2000 after twenty years of dedicated service. She was a former member of the Mattoon Moose Lodge 803 and Mattoon Eagles Club. Janis loved nothing more than to spend time with dear friends and family. She had a knack for collecting owl figurines and a night filled with dancing, a little gambling, or playing cards brought great joy to her life. Her heart was full when she was surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her loving family was the light of her life. Janis touched the hearts of many. She will be fondly remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and true friend. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in her honor or share a memory with the family.

Tributes

Janis M. Gillis

August 12, 1936 - December 6, 2023