Janet E. Dufty

Janet Eyvonne Dufty, 80, of Caseville, died Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Saginaw.

Janet was born June 1, 1934 in Sebewaing to the late Harry and Alma (Wiese) Whitcomb. She married Lowell R. Dufty on October 31, 1953 at the Caseville Methodist Parsonage. He preceded her in death on December 21, 1999.

Her father was in the US Navy, so her family lived in many locations when she was young. Her father was stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii at the time of the Japanese bombing in 1941 and Janet was an eye witness to that historic event. Hawaii remained a favorite place of hers, and she visited there many times, including this past year with her daughters.

After getting married they lived and farmed in Chandler Twp all of their lives. In 1984 they purchased the Blue Water Inn, running that family business until a few years ago. Janet retired from the State of Michigan, having worked at Sleeper State Park for over 30 years. She also drove school bus for Lakers Schools for many years. She spent many years involved with the Caseville Chamber of Commerce helping start the now famous Cheeseburger Festival. Janet enjoyed her family immensely and always wanted to share all she had with her family.

She is survived by her daughters Gwen (Gary) Summers of Grayling and Lori Jo (Todd) Wisenbaugh of Pigeon; grandchildren Ciara, Carrie, Kelly, Brandon, Jason, Kristin, Kayla and Alyssa; great-grandchildren Cierra, Oliver and Mila; step-great-grandchildren Jordan and Lindsy; and brother Dennis Whitcomb of Lake Ann. She was preceded in death by her son Patrick and daughter Jill.

The family will have a celebration of her life with family members this summer to honor her wishes. Memorials may be made to the Department of Natural Resources-Sleeper State Park Gift and Donation Fund, 6573 State Park Road, Caseville, MI 48725.