Janet Kay Bullman, 87, of Galesburg, died at 9:25 a.m. Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Mercer Manor Rehabilitation in Aledo.
She was born December 9, 1938, in Galesburg, the daughter of Virgil G. and Wilamine “Billie” (Daley) Ashdown. She married William Max Bullman on August 6, 1960, in Galesburg. He preceded her in death on January 6, 2005, after over 44 years of marriage. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Audrey Bush.
Janet was raised and educated in Galesburg, where she graduated from high school in 1955. Later, she attended and graduated from Illinois State University in 1971. Known as “Mrs. B” to her students, she taught at Raymond Marquith Elementary School in East Galesburg for 21 years. Her care and attentiveness for her students impacted their lives well beyond the classroom. She strove to make learning fun and interesting for her students, which earned her several accolades, including Illinois Teacher of the Year.
Janet was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Galesburg. She loved sunsets, the beach, and traveling with family. She loved all music but held a special spot for Elvis. She and Max loved to go dancing. Janet enjoyed playing poker and cards with her friends. Janet was a devoted grandmother and was especially involved and instrumental in her three grandsons’ upbringings.
She is survived by her daughter, Susan (Michael) Kohler of Galesburg; three grandsons, Matthew (Alyssa) Kohler of Smyrna, Georgia, Jon (Molly) Kohler of Rockford, Illinois, and Michael (Emily) Kohler, along with two great-grandchildren, Harvey and Teddy of Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Visitation will be 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services. Funeral service will follow at 6:30 p.m. with Pastor Jordan Knight officiating. Private family burial will be on Thursday, November 19, 2026, in Zuma Township Cemetery, near Port Byron. Memorial contributions may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or the Alzheimers Association. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
