Janice E. Huber-Lucas

Janice E. Huber-Lucas, 74, of Kankakee, passed away Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Riverside Medical Center. Jan passed away surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy of generosity, strength, and fierce devotion to her family. She was born March 21, 1951, in Toledo, Ohio, the daughter of Edward and Doris (Marx) Huber. She was the kind of woman who would give you the shirt off her back and drop everything to help someone in need. Feisty, outspoken, and full of heart, she loved her family with her whole being. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy. She delighted in hearing about the adventures of the younger ones and was always looking for ways to provide for and support her older grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to show how deeply she cared. Jan found joy in life’s simple pleasures—watching college football (with a special love for Notre Dame, Go Irish!), cheering on the Chicago Bears, and settling in for a good Hallmark movie. A talented seamstress, she shared her creativity and patience by teaching her daughters to bake, passing down traditions that will live on for generations. She loved line dancing and continued as long as her body would allow. In recent years, she often shared that while her body struggled, her spirit still felt strong and young—a reflection of her resilient and determined soul. Jan deeply missed her firstborn daughter, who passed away at the age of 39. While this loss never left her heart, we find comfort in knowing they are together again. She is also reunited with her beloved parents, welcoming her home with open arms. She will be remembered for her strength, her warmth, her humor, and the unwavering love she gave so freely. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit lives on in the lives she touched and the family she cherished so fiercely. Janice is survived by three children, Bill (Michelle) Lucas of Kankakee, Derek (Crissi) Lucas of Church Hill, TN, and Sarah (Keith) Dombkowski of Bourbonnais; grandchildren, Christopher, Elizabeth, Faith, Briannah, Billy, Noah, Delanie, Carter, Kennedy, Lyndon, and Reagan; siblings, Knute Huber, Lanny (David) Koester, Nick (Kristie) Huber, Terry (Mary) Huber, Cherree Rensch, Angie Huber, Randy Huber, Tessie (Jim) Drager, Linda (Greg) York, Norine (Rich) Combs, and Mike (Jennifer) Huber; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Michelle Lucas-Garrett. A private graveside service will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026. On Friday, June 12, 2026, the family invites all of you to join them for an open house Celebration of Life at the Chebanse Community Building at 185 South Chestnut St. in Chebanse from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. Please come and go as you are able; light refreshments will be served as we gather in remembrance. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the wishes of the family.