Obituary of Janith Lee Brooks

Janith Lee Barker was born on March 27, 1933 in Hamilton, Ohio.   She was of five children from the union of the late Sherman Barker and the late Emma (Cain) Barker.  

Janith would be blessed with the birth of eighth children.   The undisputed matriarch of the family, Janith cherished the memories made and the time shared with loved ones.   She was known for her open door policy.   Janith often gave the best advice, but knew when being a good listener was just as important.   She was kind and supportive and never judgmental, a true friend to everyone around her.  

For twenty-two years, Janith, was employed at the Monroe Evening News.   There she would work as a Paper Sorter until retiring in 2009.

Janith enjoyed socializing and often made time with her friends to play Bingo, Poker, or Shuffle Board.   She was an active member of the Monroe Eagles where she was in charge of the CashBash, the Monroe Moose, and an annual participant in the German-American Festival, and the Belgium Club at the Luna Pier American Legion.   She was quite the accomplished athlete being a state champion bowler and a star, shooting pool in the woman’s league.   When Janith did take quiet time for herself; she enjoyed curling up on the couch to read, watch Lifetime movies, or one of her favorite Television shows.    

Janith Lee Brooks, age 86, of Monroe, passed away peacefully at Wellspring Lutheran Services on Friday, April 26, 2019 at 11:57pm.   In addition to her parents her passing was preceded by a grandson:  Richard Jerome Jay II; sister: Barbara Green; her brother: Clarence Houser; daughter-in-law:  Margaret Brooks; and her significant other:  Charlie Siterlit.

To cherish her memory, Janith leaves behind her children:  John Brooks of Monroe, Geneva (Dave) Loop of Ida, Holly (Paul) Hinkley of Monroe, Julie (Richard) Jay of Monroe, George Brooks of Newport, Jacqueline McDonald of Monroe, Becky Brooks of Monroe, and Barbara Brooks of Monroe; two sisters:  Allene McElfresh of Hamilton and Linda (David) Laundra of New York; nineteen beloved grandchildren; twenty-eight cherished great grandchildren; and one precious great-great grandchild on the way.

No public services are planned.   Arrangements have been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the family to assist with funeral arrangements.   Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.