Janice Claire Whitt , 81, of South Whitley, died peacefully in the company of family at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Peabody Retirement Community.

She was born on October 19, 1942, in Columbia City, Indiana, the daughter of the late William Morris Darley and Ruth (Penrod) Darley.  Growing up in South Whitley, she attended South Whitley High School.

On July 28, 1962, she married John Wallace Whitt.  The couple made their home in South Whitley, raising three children.  John died on January 14, 2011.

In addition to maintaining the home, she worked for over 20 years in the kitchen for Scott's Restaurant in South Whitley and also cleaned homes for South Whitley residents.  She was known for her delicious baked goods, including zucchini and banana bread.  She kept her home spotless and adorned her porch and interior with flowers and house plants.  When the grandkids came along, they became her pride and joy.

She was a former member of the United Methodist Church of South Whitley.  In her senior years, she kept in touch with the community during her weekly hair salon trip and met friends regularly at the Corner Café for tea, especially a chai latte.

Surviving are her children, Michael Whitt of South Whitley, Marvin (Sherry) Whitt and Amy (Trent) Szelis, both of Huntington; grandchildren, Erin (Justin) Herberger of Sturgis, MI, Tami (Douglas) Gusching of Fort Wayne, Daniel (Sara) Whitt, Trevor (Katy) Szelis, Andrew Szelis, Hannah Szelis, and Emma Szelis, all of Huntington; five great-grandchildren; and brothers, Alan (Beth) Darley, Rex (Deb Lancaster) Darley, and Scott (Rhonda) Darley all of South Whitley.

Additionally, Janice was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Jessica Danielle Whitt, and twins, Sawyer John Robert Herberger and Emelia Anne Herberger.

The funeral service is 11 a.m. Monday (July 1st) at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. She will be buried next to her husband at the South Whitley Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the service on Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to final expenses c/o Smith & Sons Funeral Home.