Janet Rae Gillette, age 87, of Carlinville, IL, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 1, 2026. She passed away peacefully at Carlinville Area Hospital, with her family by her side.

Janet was born on July 24, 1938 in Monmouth, IL, to Ray and Josephine (Volk) Howard. Ray and Josephine’s first child, Larry Jo, passed during childbirth, making Janet the oldest of three siblings. Janet always had a higher calling to helping others, which first manifested itself in her decision to become a Registered Nurse. Janet graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Mt. Sterling, IL in 1956. She then attended and graduated from St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Quincy, IL in 1959. Janet married her husband, Bob Gillette in Pittsfield, IL, in 1960, and they had their one and only child, Lisa (Rosentreter), in 1965. In 1968, Janet graduated from St. Francis School of Anesthesia in Peoria, IL, and went on to work as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist for over 40 years at several different hospitals throughout Illinois and Missouri.

Although Janet had many great accomplishments in her professional career, what she was most proud of was her family. She was a calming presence, a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on, a confidant, and a pillar of faith to her entire family. Janet was a member of Ss Mary & Joseph Catholic Church in Carlinville, IL. She instilled her unwavering faith in Christ in all of her loved ones. In her free time, she enjoyed playing cards, doing puzzles, knitting, her dog, Zoey, and especially visiting with her daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Janet never missed a ballgame, a scout ceremony, or a dance recital. She always showed up for the ones she loved, but would also reach out to help a complete stranger. Janet was an absolute blessing to every life she touched, and she will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Gillette; her parents, Ray and Josephine Howard; and a brother, Larry Jo Howard.

A private family mass will be held at a later date. Burial will follow at New Calvary Cemetery, in Carlinville.

Janet is survived by her daughter Lisa (Larry) Rosentreter of Carlinville, IL; three grandchildren, Levi (Lyndsie) Rosentreter, Lane (Savannah) Rosentreter, and Leslyann (Jason) Davis; six great-grandchildren, Easton, Wyatt, Owen, Cal, Nash, and Lainey; brother, David (Patty) Howard of Springfield, IL; and sister, Barbara (Tom) Mitchell of Effingham, IL.

Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.