Janette Neighbors, 67, passed away April 5, 2021, in the company of her loving family.
Janette Elaine Neighbors was born January 31, 1954, and raised in a family farmhouse south of Lemons, MO. In school she found her passion for art. She didn’t have money to get good materials, and one of her teachers gave her a quality set of art supplies. She treasured that set and it became the first of many over her lifetime. Throughout the years she surrounded herself with art. She worked with all types of mediums, charcoal, pastels, watercolors, colored pencils, paints, and anything else she could get her hands on. She also crocheted throughout her life, and gifted many afghans, bookmarks, and hats to those around her. Her love of art was surpassed only by her love of family and friends. She valued the relationships she had with all people, especially with her children and grandchildren. She said the most important job in the world was being a mother. She had a quiet, peaceful energy that drew people to her. Although she hated crowds, she loved being around people. Once she braved a crowd of over 50,000 to see her favorite musician, Neil Diamond, in concert. Janette was a lifelong learner. She studied art history, played the piano and classical guitar, and learned to read and write Braille. She was an avid reader of all types of books. She also was a published poet. Janette worked as a nurse for 30 years. She opened several businesses including several flea market booths, a small grocery store, mobile grocery business selling to the Amish, a bar, and a food trailer.
Janette is survived by her mother, Barbara Neighbors of Unionville, MO; sister Jerri Koehn of Florence, AZ; brother Clinton Neighbors of Unionville, MO; sister Janice and husband Darrell Brendt of Alexandria, MN; sister Brenda and husband Roger Crawford of Unionville, MO; sons Orland “Marc” Baltz III of Springfield, MO; Seth and wife Katrina Baltz of Springfield, MO; and daughter Andrea and husband Bill Morris of Unionville, MO. Janette’s surviving grandchildren are Adam Highfill, Michael Chavez, Riley Morris, and Daniel Morris.
Janette was preceded in death by her father, Benny Neighbors.
A memorial service for Janette will be at the First Christian Church in Unionville, MO, at 10:30 am Friday, April 16, 2021. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations toward final expenses. Donations can be given through a GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/b874e0f7 or entrusted to Playle & Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St, Unionville, MO 63565.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Playle & Collins Funeral Home of Unionville, MO.