Mrs. Stella Jane “Janie” Mason, 76, of Galesburg passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at home after a brief illness.
Janie was born January 26, 1948, in Galesburg, the daughter of Ralph E. and Virginia R. (Shumate) Luker. She married Kenneth David “Dave” Mason, Jr. on June 15, 1968, in Galesburg
Surviving is her husband of 56 years, Dave of Galesburg; her daughters, Kelli R. (Brad) Bennewitz of Galesburg and Nichole “Nikki” E. (Matthew) Schaefer of Prairietown, Illinois; and her five grandchildren, Haley and Mason Bennewitz and Grant, Lucas and Jacob Schaefer. She is preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Jeff and Stan Luker and Ronald Hunt; and her sister, Judy Miller.
Janie graduated from Galesburg High School in 1966 and later began working for the former Protexall Manufacturing. After starting a family herself, Janie settled at home as a licensed day care provider. Janie cared for many families and their children throughout her forty plus years of day care. Dave and Janie enjoyed traveling the United States, including Montana, Colorado, along Lake Michigan to the Upper Peninsula, and many other places.
Janie was known for her ability to cook, keeping many secret recipes. She found reading a book or working in her garden to be relaxing and enjoyed shopping with her girls or her close friends. Janie had a deep love for her friends and family, especially her grandchildren, trying never to miss their school and sporting events.
Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 pm Thursday, September 12, 2024, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Memorial Services for Janie will be 10:00 am Friday, September 13, 2024, at the chapel with Chaplain Jordan Knight officiating. A Private Family burial will follow at East Linwood Cemetery. Memorials may be offered to Hospice Compassus. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com
