Janet Mae Freeman (Whitmore, Watterson), age 78, passed away on June 13th, 2023 with her daughter and the loving staff at Sansbury Care Center in Springfield, KY by her side. Janet fought a courageous battle with both Alzheimers and cancer, trying hard to remain independent until the end. The staff at Sansbury provided exceptional care to Janet that allowed her to have dignity throughout her journey and we will be forever grateful for that.

Janet was born on May 8th, 1945 to Albert and Ruth Whitmore of Northwood,Ohio. She was a 1963 graduate of Olney High School. Janet had several jobs throughout her life but she loved being a mother and homemaker the most. Janet lived in a beautiful home in Columbus Grove, Ohio that she and her husband Paul built together. It was this home that inspired two of her grandchildren, Jack and Madelyn, to lovingly refer to them as "Grandma and Grandpa in the woods". Until her recent illnesses, Janet enjoyed cooking and took great pride in her kitchen, making sure no one was ever hungry. Her and Paul were married for 40 years and during that time created a peaceful place in the woods for all of their children, grandchildren and family to visit. Their home will be greatly missed.

Janet loved to talk and tell stories and she will be remembered for never meeting a stranger. Even when moved to new locations she was always making friends with the staff and residents. Our families would like to thank all those who visited, called, sent cards and checked on her over the past year and half. It meant as much to our family as it did to her. During these difficult times, we leaned on Janet's favorite bible passage for comfort and guidance. Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Janet was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Paul; her only son, Richard Watterson; brother, Ralph Whitmore; and brother, Roy Whitmore.

Janet is survived by her daughter, Amy (Jude) Hagan of Lebanon, KY; step-son, Kevin (Terrie) Freeman of Delta, Ohio; step-son, Kendall Freeman of Whiting, Indiana; step-daughter, Karen (Shannon) Wymer of Delta, Ohio; sister, Susan Pioch, of Northwood, Ohio; Sister-in-law, Marvene Whitmore, of Perrysburg, Ohio; Sister-in-law Ruth Pierce of Wayne, Ohio; Brother-in-law Don (Nancy) Freeman of Mahomet, Illinois; 14 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.