Frances Janette (Fulton) POLLITT

PARKIN, FULTON, POLLITT, HALFERTY, EVANS, GABRIELSON, MILLER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:44

September 22, 1920 ---- May 25, 2021

Frances Janette Pollitt, 100, of Belmond passed away peacefully at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames, IA on May 25, 2021.

Janette, the daughter of James and Frances (Parkin) Fulton, was born in Lucas County on September 22, 1920. She was the eldest of four children. Janette spent her early life on the family farm, helping with daily chores and looking after her younger siblings. She graduated from Derby High School in 1938, and then went on to Iowa Wesleyan College where she graduated with a two-year teaching certificate.

Janette started out her teaching career in a one room schoolhouse in Lucas County. After deciding that perhaps teaching wasn't for her, she resigned but was quickly persuaded by her cousin to join her in Humeston at the elementary school. She taught another four years, at the third and fourth grade levels.

In 1939, a young man moved with his family from Ohio to a farmstead just a mile from the Fulton farm. He became good friends with Janette's younger brother and was often around helping out on the farm and staying for meals. Almost ten years later, he convinced her to marry him.

Frank and Janette married on July 21, 1948. Early in their marriage they made their home in Osceola where their children were born and in Chariton. In January 1957, they moved their young family to Belmond where Frank became the shop manager for Len Sheldon at his Chevrolet dealership.

Frank and Janette soon struck out on their own, opening and operating a series of small businesses that included Superamerica and J and F Construction. Janette worked alongside her husband as his bookkeeper.

Most of all Janette loved being a wife, mother and grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, gardener and artist. She was an avid reader and served on the Library Board for many years. Janette and Frank were also very involved in the United Methodist Church where they served on committees and helped with food services for weddings and funerals.

In their later years they enjoyed spending time with their family, traveling and working around their home. Frank passed away on February 4, 2014. Janette stayed in the family home until January 2017 when she moved to Ames to live with her daughter Susan.

In her last few years Janette was able to visit with friends and family, celebrate holidays and live a peaceful existence.

Janette was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Frank, her daughter Katherine, siblings William Fulton, Wayne Fulton and Joan Halftery. She is also preceded in death by in-laws Marie Fulton, Alvin Halferty, JB Evans, Ralph Pollitt, and Doris Pollitt.

Left to cherish her memory are her son James (Amy) Pollitt of Belmond, daughter Susan of Ames, grandson Jeffrey (Emilee) Gabrielson of Downers Grove, granddaughter Sara Gabrielson of Clarion and great grandchildren Zachary and Katherine Gabrielson of Downers Grove. Janette is also survived by dear family friends Terry and Gail Miller of Lake Cornelia.

Memorials may be directed to the United Methodist Church, the Belmond Public Library or the Belmond Care Car.

A private family inurnment for Frank and Janette will take place at a later date.

https://www.amesmonument.com/obituary/586275/Frances-Janette-Pollitt/