It is with great sadness that the family of Janice Ruth Prichard announces her passing on January 21, 2024. A longtime resident of Suttons Bay, Janice died in Traverse City at the age of 88 after a sudden decline in her health.

Janice was born September 21, 1935 in Detroit, the first of 6 children born to Orville and Evelyn Keller. While attending high school in Highland Park, Janice met Jerry Prichard, who became her husband and partner in life for 67 years. After raising their 2 children in the suburban Detroit area, Janice & Jerry expanded the one bedroom cottage that they summered in since 1976 and made Suttons Bay their permanent home.

Janice was the mother of two, grandmother of 8, and great-grandmother of 4. Taking care of her family was her priority and the source of her greatest joy.

Family and friends fortunate to visit her home on the bay were greeted upon arrival with chocolate chip cookies, whacky cake, (a recipe learned while living in Germany) homemade waffles and endless glasses of very sweet lemonade on EVERY visit.

Those blessed to call her Grandma remember her willingness to brave brisk bay waters to swim or float on inner tubes with them when no one else wanted to go in.

Janice found great fulfillment in creating and caring for beautiful gardens and truly had a green thumb. She shared her knowledge of plants and frequently gave cuttings to neighbors to start their own perennial gardens. Future generations of those perennials will continue to bring joy to others. She was an accomplished piano player who enjoyed playing hymns and classical music, by ear, upon request.

In addition to her parents, Janice was predeceased by her dear sister, Sharon. She is survived by her loving husband, Jerry Prichard, children Craig Prichard ( Janel) and Lynne Overbeck ( James), 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Sisters Virginia Elliott and Joyce LaChance, and brothers David Keller and John Keller. Though our family mourns a great earthly loss, we are comforted in the assurance that she is now fully restored in body and mind and in the company of her Lord and Savior. “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Phil 1:21 In accordance with her wishes, a private graveside service in Keswick Maple Grove Cemetery is planned and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Please share memories and condolences with the family at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.