Janie Quist (birth name Jannie Asma) peacefully left this earth to be with her Lord and Savior on April 9, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and faith. Janie joined her loving husband of 57 years, Charles, their infant daughter, eight siblings and numerous siblings-in-law in Heaven. 

Janie (or as her family called her, Oma) was born in Andyk, Netherlands as the eighth of 10 children. When she was 12, she immigrated to the United States with most of her family, where they lived in Maryland for a few years before settling in Kalamazoo, MI.  Her family loved to sing together, which inspired her lifelong love of music. She later became a licensed vocational nurse and worked at Pine Rest Christian Hospital. It was during that time that she met Charles (Chuck), who offered to drive her home from​ church. They were married on October 19, 1962, and shared many wonderful years​ together raising their four children, going camping, and taking trips—one favorite being​ a 10-day adventure working and sleeping aboard a sailboat.​  

Janie was a woman of strong faith and resilience and was known for her patient and​ caring nature. To all who knew her, Oma was one of the most genuine, compassionate,​ and sweetest individuals that you could ever know in a lifetime.​  

Oma was an avid walker and faithfully got up before sunrise to walk a mile around the​ neighborhood in all types of weather. She also had a miraculous green thumb and was​ known for her ability to resurrect sickly plants. Her secret? “You have to talk to them​ every day!”. She loved being outdoors and spent many summer days camping with her​ family.​  

Oma was also a lover of a good book, worship music, wine, bucket hats, Hallmark​ movies, psalms, puzzles, cozy sweaters, and University of Michigan football.  While she​ was a woman of quiet modesty, Oma enjoyed hosting her family for all kinds of​ extravagant events. A fancy tea party was routine when spending time with the​ grandkids. She also hosted holiday parties from her home, including Thanksgiving,​ Christmas, Easter, and her renowned Valentines Day party. As a hostess she was next-​to-none; every new guest was made welcome and all attendees left with a treat and a​ loud Dutch kiss.​  

Oma was also well known for her goofy side. She was an expert at changing the topic​ when a conversation got awkward or tense. Sometimes she mixed her food in strange​ combinations (peas with Jell-O? peanut butter and cheese sandwiches?). And she was​ quick-witted, always ready to lovingly tease you.​  

Oma fiercely loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with constant​ reminders in multiple languages: “Ik heb je lief!”, “Te amo mucho!”, “I love you!”. Oma​ babysat many of her grandchildren, or cared for them when they were sick, much to​ their joy. Her remedy for any sickness was some good “TLC” - Tender Loving Care.  

But above everything, Janie loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus. She exemplified Jesus’​ teachings of “Do unto others” and “Love your neighbor”. She was a devoted prayer-​warrior to everyone around her. Today, Janie is joyfully singing her favorite worship​ songs with Jesus in Heaven​.  

A special thank-you to the staff of Sunset Manor and Corewell Hospice for all their​ loving care of Janie, our beloved Oma. Memorial contributions can be made to Hillside​ Community Church.  

Janie is survived by her four children​, Cindy (Jon) Lampen, Laurie (Peter) Gani, Chad​ (Heidi) Quist, and Amy (Jeff) VanDorp; 13 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.​  She is also survived by her brother​, Al​; and her sisters-in-law​, Donna Asma, Nancy​ Asma, Trudy Hoeksema, and Willie Quist.​  

Visitation will be on Saturday, April 19​, from 10-12​pm with funeral immediately​ following at noon at Hillside Community Church (1440 68th St SE, GR). Luncheon​ following.