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Janet Kay Stafford, 92, of Alpena, passed away at home with her family beside her on Aug. 13, 2026.
Janet was born on June 4, 1934, to George and Norma Stonex. She grew up in the Brighton, MI, area, along with her brother, Richard Stonex, and graduated from Brighton High School.
Her Lutheran upbringing led her to attend Capital University in Columbus, OH. There she met and fell in love with her brother's roommate, Francis (Fritz) C. Stafford of Alpena. They married on Dec. 31, 1954, and celebrated 68 years together before his passing in April 2023.
Together they raised five children, Francis, Mary Lou, Ronald, Laurie, and Gregory Stafford. As her husband's career evolved they lived in West Virginia, Florida, and California before returning to Michigan in the fall of 1960. Janet later finished her education at the University of Michigan, graduating in 1967 with a master's degree in Elementary Education. She taught 5th grade in Plymouth, MI, retiring in 1984.
For many years, Jan and Fritz were "snowbirds", alternating their time between Michigan and Florida. They became permanent residents of Alpena in 2008. In their retirement, the couple enjoyed spending time with friends playing golf, bowling, and singing in the choir at St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Jan was an energetic, kind, and fun-loving person and had many friends. She loved spending time outside sunbathing and tending her flower gardens. Her children remember her as a great cook who made the best oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, along with homemade pies and salads. Janet was a devoted fan of the Detroit Lions and the Detroit Tigers and followed them for years.
Living on the banks of Thunder Bay River, Jan and Fritz loved spending time on their pontoon boat and hosting family BBQs. Jan was a dog lover and treasured each of her dogs, including Bernard, Alfie, and Trouble. Following her husband's death, she lived at her Long Rapids Road home and continued her golf and church activities until the summer of 2025. Her children Ronald and Laurie then cared for her full-time in her home over the past year.
Janet was preceded in death by her husband and her daughter Mary Lou Stafford Hamer. She is survived by her children, Fritz Jr. (Michele) of Meridian, Idaho, son Ron of Chelsea, MI, daughter Laurie of Alpena, son Greg (Debi) of Stevenson, WA, and by her brother, Dick (Lorelle) Stonex of Silverton, OR. She is also survived by grandchildren Jason Stafford, Rochelle Tapping, and Ben Stafford, Chelsie Stugart, Rurik Hamer, Dusty Hamer and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at McWilliams Funeral Home from 11 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, with Rev. Leslie Nye officiating. Janet will be laid to rest beside her husband at Evergreen Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church or the Huron Humane Society.