Janet Marie Sturtz, born June 19, 1961, passed away on February 25, 2026, in Freeport, Illinois, with her husband, Terry, by her side.

Born in Rockford to John and Sandra (Cazel) Elliott, she graduated from Dakota High School in 1979 and later made her home in Lanark, where she spent the remainder of her years.

She devoted much of her life to her family and home as a homemaker and farm wife. She married Terry in 2003 and was the proud mother of two children.

She had a deep love for animals and was known for her compassion toward them. She never hesitated to care for or take in an animal in need—a reflection of her quiet kindness and one of the qualities that defined her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Sandra, and her granddaughter, Arya.

She is survived by her loving husband, Terry; her children, Kyndra and Brady; her grandchildren, Aleah and Adryanna; her three siblings, Susan Pudwill (Gary Moore), Steve (Dawn) Elliott, and Jamie (Steven) Holman; along with several nieces and nephews. She was greatly loved and will be dearly missed.

A celebration of life will be held on March 7, 2026, at the Heritage Center in Lanark, Illinois. A small service will begin at 11:00 AM, with light food and refreshments to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in her memory. Any contributions received will be donated to a charitable organization in her honor.