Janie Melms, 59, of Caledonia, passed away on November 11, 2025. Born April 23, 1966, in Rockford, she was the daughter of Richard and Justina (Perez) Gonzales Sr. A graduate of East High School, Class of 1984, Janie went on to earn her Licensed Practical Nursing degree from Rock Valley College. She dedicated more than 30 years of her life to caring for others as a nurse at Walter Lawson Children's Home, where her compassion and gentle heart touched countless lives.
Janie was united in marriage to Jason Melms on May 26, 2017. Together, they enjoyed spending quiet afternoons taking drives, simply enjoying each other's company and the beauty around them.
A creative soul, Janie was a talented paper crafter who loved making scrapbooks, photo collages, and keepsake photo books. Her creativity was matched by her warmth and generosity. She loved hosting holiday gatherings, making sure everyone felt welcome and included-if guests entered as strangers, they left feeling like part of her family.
Her greatest joy came from her children and grandchildren, who were truly the center of her world. Janie adored spending time with her "grandbabies," showering them with love and care. She was also an avid collector of Hello Kitty memorabilia-a lifelong fan with a fun and youthful spirit that brightened every room.
Those who knew Janie describe her as kind, loving, and without a bad bone in her body. She gave of herself freely and loved deeply. She loved her "fur babies" Ozzy, BP and Mikey.
She is survived by her husband, Jason; children, Caitlin (Michaela Greenwalt) Staas, Taylor (Jake Dassow) Toseff, and Quincy Melms; grandchildren, Nova, Benny, Toula, and Lyra; siblings, Mary (Ernie) Saavedra, Joe (Margie) Gonzales, and Roy Gonzales; sisters-in-law, Marion Gonzales and Jessica Pivett; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; special friend, Mark Venades; and a circle of dear friends, near and far.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Wayne Staas; father, Richard Gonzales Sr.; and brother, Richard Gonzales Jr.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials in Janie's memory may be made to her family.
Grace Funeral & Cremation Services assisted the family.Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com