Obituary of Janet Marie Anthony

Janet Marie Lockmiller was born at the Air Force Base in Lake Charles, Louisiana on November 17, 1954.  She was one of four children born from the union of Jordon and Joan (Jacobs) Lockmiller. Jan, as she became lovingly known, graduated with the class of 1972, from Monroe High School in Monroe, Michigan.  She then attended a few courses in the Pharmacy curriculum at Ferris State University. 

Jan wed the love of her life: David Anthony Sr. and the couple were blessed with the birth of two children. They remained married until his untimely passing in 2002. 

Jan was a kind-hearted person whose actions were always guided by her desire to bring joy and comfort to others. She had a remarkable ability to make everyone around her feel valued and loved a trait that endeared her to many. Jan's adoration for the simple joys in life was evident in her hobbies. She possessed a remarkable talent for knitting, creating countless scarves that were not only pieces of art but also tokens of her love.

A lover of games, Jan enjoyed the camaraderie and laughter that came with card nights with her family and friends. Whether it was a competitive game of hearts, or Euchre, she cherished these moments of connection.  As a young adult, Jan's enthusiasm for gathering people together shone through her infamous bunco nights and Tupperware parties. These events, always filled with laughter and stories, where hosting was rotated amongst friends, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Jan’s culinary skills were also unmatched. A master in the kitchen, she seemed to cook anything and everything to perfection. Her joy in baking, especially in the tradition of making cut-out cookies with her parents on the day after Thanksgiving, was a testament to her love for both family and the holidays. Valentine’s Day particularly held a special place in her heart. It was no coincidence that she chose February for her wedding, celebrating her love in a festivity of red and white, encapsulating her passion for love and togetherness.

Janet “Jan” Anthony, age 69, of Monroe, passed away on Friday; April 12, 2024, at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital.  Her passing was preceded by her parents; her husband: David, Sr.; and one brother: Rick Lockmiller.

To cherish her memory, she leaves two children: David Anthony, Jr. and Jenae Anthony; one sister: Debbie (Jess) Linenkugel; one brother: Scott Lockmiller; and seven grandchildren: Alex, James, Carissa, Darin, Keith, Kasey, and Joseph.

Her care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Her Life is being planned for a later date where friends and family will be encouraged to share stories and honor the incredible life that she lived. Cremation has taken place through Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan, a division of Merkle Enterprises, Inc.

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