Janette Lucille Hooten (Beach), born February 28 th , 1950 to Philip C. and Juanita R. (Slake) Beach passed away in the early hours of March 27 th , 2025 at the age of 75. She is survived by her husband, Col. (ret.) Robert “Bob” Hooten, of 36 years, two daughters, Wendy Hooten and Shelly (Matt) Zitzlsperger, and son, A. Joseph (Sierra) Hooten. She leaves behind seven grandchildren: Alexander, Robert, Serenity, and Abigail Hooten plus Dane, Erik, and Tripp Zitzlsperger. She was preceded in death by both parents and her brothers, Edmund and Phil Beach.

Jan was born in South Bend, Indiana and raised in the small town of New Carlisle, Indiana where her father owned a tavern and everyone knew everyone. After graduating high school and her family moved to South Bend, Jan’s adventurous and rollercoaster life truly began. Jan never knew a stranger for more than a few minutes. Gregarious, loyal, fun, charismatic, joyful, and gracious; she made fast, lifelong friends wherever she went. Although she was strong-willed and stubborn to a fault, she loved her friends and family with the ferocity of a mother lion. No child ever visited her house without being fed a snack and being welcomed as one of her own. No friend ever fell in need without her reaching out to help however she could.

No party was ever planned without some excellent dish being provided, especially her world famous baked beans!

Since moving to Decatur in 1999, Jan has been involved in the Decatur Convention and Visitors Bureau, Theater 7 Community Theater as an actress and director, Shoppe on Main as a model, owned the downtown boutique, “Pizzazz”, The Decatur Club, the VFW auxiliary along with Wednesday night karaoke. Jan joined First Christian Church (FCC) in Decatur, IL in 2018 and began to live out their mission to develop devoted followers of Jesus Christ by growing and serving together. While a member of FCC, she volunteered as a drama teacher in the Arts Academy, sang in the choir, greeted on Saturday evenings, and led a women’s Bible Study.

With her first cancer diagnosis in April of 2019, Jan’s faith truly blossomed. She devoted herself to glorifying God through whatever battles faced, live or die. And, she intended to live life to the fullest. She truly lived out Philippians 1:21, “For me to live is Christ, and to die gain.” And James 1:22, “Be sure you live out the message and do not merely listen to it and so deceive yourselves.” She didn’t attend a single cancer treatment without putting on her wig or hat and doing her makeup. She brought a smile and hope and a prayer of thanksgiving with her to every gathering of friends, family, or an event. She encouraged and cheered for her fellow patients in Cancer Care. Even when you could see how exhausted she was or sick she felt, she refused to live in defeat. On March 12 th , when she received her most recent diagnosis, her response was, “We are not giving up!” She was asking and praying for five more years. However, she said, “I do know that it is His will, not mine, to be done! But please join me in praying for those five years.” Much to our grief, she received only 15 more days. However, they were a good 15 more days full of life bringing more hope, joy, and glory to God.

From our family to you, thank you for loving Jan and being a part of her life as much as I’m sure she loved you and was a part of yours. Please join us for memorial services being held either in Decatur, IL at First Christian Church at 3350 N MacArthur Rd., on Saturday, 4/12/25, with visitation starting at 9:00 am CST, memorial celebration at 10:00 am and a fellowship meal for friends and family immediately following services, or in South Bend, IN at Oak Tree Community Church at 53922 Olive Road, on Saturday, 4/26/25, with visitation starting at 1:00 pm EST, memorial celebration at 3:00 pm and a fellowship meal for friends and family immediately following services.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that individuals consider memorial gifts in honor of Jan be given to the American Cancer Society or First Christian Church in Decatur, IL at firstdecatur.org/give.