ROCKFORD — Janice Earla Fullerton, 85, whose life was filled with devotion to her family, decades of hard work on the farm and a kitchen where nobody ever left hungry, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Rockwell Care Center, surrounded by her loving family.
Visitation will be held Saturday, November 14, from 10 to 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 21 3rd Street NW, in Rockford. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at the church, with burial immediately afterward at Riverside Cemetery in Rockford.
Janice was born March 13, 1941, to Earl and Garnet Johnson. She grew up north of Rudd, Iowa, attending school in Rudd before becoming a member of the first consolidated graduating senior class of Rockford High School in 1959.
After graduation, she began working as a bank teller at First State Bank, bringing her friendly personality and sharp mind to the job.
On February 5, 1961, Janice married the love of her life, Don Fullerton, beginning a partnership that would define much of her life.
The couple initially made their home on an acreage south of Rockford before purchasing the Good Samaritan Farm, where they established a lasting family homestead. Together, they raised four children — Julie, Doug, Steve and Kevin — while building a life centered on farming, family and an unwavering work ethic.
Jan and Don were true partners in every sense.
They worked side by side raising livestock and tending the farm. Janice was never one to shy away from demanding chores, whether bottle-feeding calves, caring for animals or maintaining her gardens.
Her garden produced plenty of tomatoes and cucumbers, including those destined for her distinctive dark green seven-day pickles.
The couple’s closeness extended far beyond their work. Family members described Jan and Don as nearly inseparable, whether attending fairs, browsing farm machinery auctions, buying and selling cattle at the Waverly Sale Barn or enjoying card games with friends.
Where one went, the other was usually close behind.
Janice was also a member of First United Methodist Church in Rockford, maintaining strong ties to the community where she and Don built their lives.
But for many relatives and visitors, some of their warmest memories of Janice began at her kitchen table.
She had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome, often through the simple act of preparing something good to eat.
Her chocolate cake became a birthday tradition, topped with just the right amount of Cool Whip. Her homemade bologna sandwiches, served with chips and an ice-cold pop, were another family favorite that nobody has quite been able to duplicate.
The refrigerator was always stocked with cold drinks, and the cupboards seemed to contain just about anything a neighbor might need.
Whether someone stopped by looking for a cup of sugar, a little milk or some flour, Janice was ready to help.
And when everyone gathered around the table, she was usually the last person to eat. Making sure others had enough mattered more to her than serving herself first.
That same generosity carried throughout her family life.
Janice treasured her role as a mother of four, grandmother of 11 and great-grandmother of 19. Her growing family brought her tremendous pride and happiness, and she remained deeply devoted to each generation.
She is survived by her four children, Julie (Dave) Andersen, Doug Fullerton (Mary Ann), Steve (Wendy) Fullerton and Kevin (Dawn) Fullerton.
She also leaves behind her 11 grandchildren, Danielle, Mackenzie, Ryan, Matthew, Dylan, Melody, Tyler, Sydney, Kelsey, Makayla and Brennon, along with 19 great-grandchildren.
Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Garnet Johnson; her infant brother, Ronald; her beloved husband, Don Fullerton; and her cousins, Dolores Gresser and Lois Albers.
For those who knew her, Janice leaves behind more than memories of a hardworking farm wife and devoted mother. Her legacy lives in family gatherings, familiar recipes, the lessons learned from working the land and the countless small acts of kindness that made others feel cared for.
Her welcoming kitchen, generous spirit and lifelong partnership with Don helped create a family legacy that will endure for generations.
Family and friends may share memories, offer condolences or find additional service information through Fullerton Family of Funeral Homes’ obituary for Janice Earla Fullerton.
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