Janet May (Serby) Shope
Janet Shope Obituary
Janet May Shope, 89, of Ottawa, Illinois, formerly Marble Hill, Missouri, passed away on May 6, 2026, at the Lasalle County Nursing Home in Ottawa, IL. She was born on September 13, 1936, in Sandwich, Illinois, to the late Casper Serby and Margaret (McMillen) Reams. She was a high school graduate of Sandwich, Illinois.
After graduating, Janet Serby and E. Richard Shope were united in marriage on June 28, 1954, in Sandwich. Janet and her husband made their home in Yorkville, where together they owned and operated a full-service garage and gas station. Richard worked as the mechanic while Janet faithfully managed the bookkeeping and daily operations of the business.
After selling the station, the couple relocated to Ottawa in 1977. Upon retirement, Janet and Richard moved to Marble Hill, where they purchased a farm and enjoyed many cherished years together until Richard’s passing in 2019. In 2020, Janet returned to Ottawa to be closer to her family.
Janet and Richard were blessed to celebrate 65 years of marriage together. Throughout their lives, they shared a deep love for the Lord and devoted themselves to spreading the Gospel across the world. Their travels carried them to several foreign countries, including India and Israel. Their son, Rick, joined them on countless mission adventures as they faithfully carried out the Lord’s work together.
Janet’s life was firmly centered around her faith. Prior to Richard’s passing and her return to Ottawa, they faithfully attended Grace Family Fellowship. In her quiet moments, Janet enjoyed spending time reading books, a pastime she treasured throughout her life.
Survivors include her children: Richard (AnaLaura) Shope of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Debra (Bruce) Klotz of Hinckley, IL, Mark (Kathi) Shope of Serena, IL; grandchildren: Jason (Monica) Klotz, Brian (Teena) Klotz, Kimberly (Kalen Thornton) Shope, Matthew Shope, Sarah Shope, Rachel (Nicholas) Newsom, Teresa (Jonathan) Richards; great grandchildren: Abigail Klotz, Kingston Thornton, Karter Thornton, Charlotte Newsom and Avery Richards.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and siblings: Richard Serby, Jack Serby and Michael Serby.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ottawa, IL, officiated by Pastor Randy Mortenson. Burial will follow at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri, next to her dear husband.